Brian Cody is a former hurling player and manager for Kilkenny. The 68-year-old is the most successful manager in the history of the GAA.
Here's a glimpse inside the Kilkenny legend's life on and off the GAA pitch, including his manager, player and professional careers, as well as his retirement from all.
6 July 2022; Manager Brian Cody during the Kilkenny GAA Pre All-Ireland Final press event at Langton House Hotel in Kilkenny. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Brian Cody's GAA Life
Brian Cody's Manager Career (1999-2022)
Cody first became Kilkenny's senior manager in November 1998 and stayed as their manager up until the end of the 2022 season.
His 24-year-long managerial reign made him the county's longest-serving manager.
In 1999, the following year after his appointment he led the Cats to an All-Ireland final but they unfortunately came up short against Cork. In 2002 Cody won his first All-Ireland title with the Cats.
From there, Cody led his native county to 11 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, 18 Leinster Senior Hurling Championships and 10 National Hurling Leagues.
In 2022, Cody got Kilkenny to yet another All-Ireland hurling Final, however, they lost out to a very strong Limerick side.
On 23 July 2022, the hurling legend announced his resignation as Kilkenny manager, putting an end to a 24-year-long reign, where he won it all.
How many All-Irelands Has Brian Cody Won As Kilkenny Manager?
Cody won 11 All-Ireland titles whilst managing Kilkenny
All-Irelands - 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015
Is Cody Still Involved in Management?
Yes, Brian Cody is still involved in managing a team, however, it is not within the county setup.
Shortly after stepping down as Kilkenny manager, Cody was appointed as a selector for his home club team, James Stephens GAA in September 2022.
16 October 2022; James Stephen's selector Brian Cody before the Kilkenny County Senior Hurling Championship Final match between James Stephen's and Shamrocks Ballyhale at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Brian Cody's Player Career (1973-1986)
Brian Cody first joined the senior Kilkenny County panel in 1973, fresh out of the minor grade.
He even landed a starting position at left wing-back in his debut season, as a result of four key players being absent due to injury and also traveling.
Cody played left wing-back for the Cats in the 1973 All-Ireland final but unfortunately he didn't get his hands on any silverware as Kilkenny lost 1-21 to 1-14 to Limerick.
The next year Cody found it difficult to retain his starting spot on the team, as players had returned from injury. That year Kilkenny won Leinster and All-Ireland championship, with Cody on the bench.
Cody was selected as captain of the team in 1982. The hurling legend led his side to his second league medal and third Leinster medal that season.
On 5 September 1982, Kilkenny faced Cork in the All-Ireland championship final, The Cats put on a hurling masterclass, winning the game 3-18 to 1-13.
Cody earned his second All-Ireland medal and second All-Star award that year.
How Many All-Ireland's Did Brian Cody Win As A Player?
Cody won four All-Ireland medal, four Leinster titles, two national leagues and two All-Star awards during his time as a Kilkenny player.
All-Irelands(4) - 1975, 1979, 1982, 1983
Leinster titles(4) - 1975, 1978, 1982, 1983
All-Stars(2) - 1975, 1982
Brian Cody's Life Outside The GAA
Early Life
Cody was born on July 12 1945 to William Cody and Annie Hoyne in Sheestown, County Kilkenny. Cody is one of the couple's nine children, he is the fourth eldest.
Cody attended the local national school in Kilkenny and later attended St Kieran's College throughout his secondary years.
After doing his leaving Certificate Cody completed the primary teaching course at St Patrick's College in Dublin.
Professional Career
After Cody had got his degree, he worked as a primary teacher in various different schools before settling in a permanent position as a teacher at St Patrick's De La Salle national school in Kilkenny.
Cody then furthered his profession, becoming principal at St Patrick's from 2009 until his retirement in 2015.
Do Cody's Sons Play For Kilkenny?
Both Donnacha and Diarmuid have represented Kilkenny in hurling.
Donnacha played under his dad's management from 2006-2008, making three championship appearances and winning two Leinster titles.
Diarmuid is yet to make a championship appearance for the Cat's senior squad. He first joined up with the senior panel during the 2015 championship under his dad, Brian Cody, winning the Liam MacCarthy with the squad in his debut senior.
Left: 17 August 2003; Donnacha Cody of Kilkenny in action during the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship Semi-Final. Right: 6 September 2015; Diarmuid Cody, Kilkenny, lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup. GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final
