In the long list of everlasting rules for the GAA, the ruling at the top should read as follows: 'Never, ever, write off Brian Cody.'
Kilkenny are in the All-Ireland final once again. The Cats toppled defending champions Limerick in Croke Park on a scoreline of 2-17 to 1-21. It was exhilarating, enthralling, efficient and ultimately, deserved.
At half-time, they led by 1-12 to 1-09. A Colin Fennelly goal and TJ Reid masterclass sending them on their way. Limerick, to their credit, did what champions do and dug deep to respond with an Aaron Gillane penalty. In the second half, they hit back once more as super-sub Shane Dowling hit a sublime strike past Eoin Murphy.
Shane Dowling scores an incredible goal for @LimerickCLG to keep the side in the game! pic.twitter.com/A2swF1HWjX
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 27, 2019
A late point from James Maher proved crucial and in the end, Kilkenny were deserved victors.
The scenes at the final whistle as @kilkennyclg upset the odds, leading from start to finish to beat the reigning All-Ireland champions @limerickclg #rtegaahttps://t.co/ziWTtauVgP pic.twitter.com/X63BAT3aHz
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 27, 2019
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Speaking on RTE, Kilkenny great Jackie Tyrell hailed Cody's contribution.
We were very lucky to have some golden days with Kilkenny but I would argue that's Brian Cody's greatest achievement to date. Getting a team to beat that Limerick. All respect to Kilkenny, Limerick are a better team on paper. Out of sheer guts, sheer bravery, sheer spirit, Brian just draws an unbelievable performance out of every one of them. I would argue that's Cody's greatest performance as a team.
21 years, 11 All-Irelands, four different iterations of the team, one man reigning supreme at the helm.
That has to be one of Brian Cody's best wins ever. To hold Limerick off so many times down the home straight, and to do it out of an attitude of pure guts and spirit and, raw physicality and sheer love of the black and amber. That was unbelievable!!
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) July 27, 2019
Brian Cody. He gets knocked down, he gets up again.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) July 27, 2019
For me that’s the single greatest victory of Brian Cody’s tenure given the quality of the opposition and the fact that it’s arguably the weakest set of players that he’s had an his disposal. #GAA
— Pat Nolan (@pat_nolan) July 27, 2019
The king stays the king.
