A number of Kilkenny hurling legends have penned tributes to Brian Cody after the iconic manager stepped down as Kilkenny boss yesterday afternoon.
The 68-year old had been in charge for almost a quarter of a century and ushered in an unparalleled era of success for the Leinster county. Over the course of his 24 years in charge, Cody guided 'The Cats' to 11 All Ireland titles, 18 Leinster Championships and 10 National league titles.
A week on from yet another All Ireland final appearance, Cody's 24th as a player or manager, the retired primary school principal has finally stepped down as Kilkenny boss. And over the past 24 hours, a host of former players have paid tribute to the man who is rightly considered to be one of the greatest GAA managers of all time.
Henry Shefflin led the tributes posting on Twitter, "End of an Era, Memories which will be treasured forever. Best wishes Brian."
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Shefflin was one of Cody's most trusted servants on the field for over a decade. And while relations between the two are frosty, the Galway boss showed his class with the touching message that he posted.
Former Laois manager and Kilkenny great Eddie Brennan also took to Twitter to heap praise upon his former manager. "There aren’t enough words to do the man justice I got to live a dream & play for Kilkenny Thank you so much Brian Cody," posted the eight time all Ireland winner on social media.
Former star Eoin Larkin went full Rio Ferdinand and asked "Brian Cody, where do you want your statue???"
Even the Taoiseach got involved, with Micheal Martin paying tribute to Brian Cody's 'incredible' contribution to hurling. In the midst of the gushing praise, the devout Cork hurling fanatic even made reference to the heartbreak Cody inflicted upon his beloved Rebels over the past two and a half decades.
"Best wishes Brian Cody on your retirement, and thanks for your incredible contribution to hurling. An outstanding player and manager with @KilkennyCLG. You brought hurling to new heights, great joy and happiness to many, as well as some heartbreak to others!!"
Finally, RTE pundit and nine time All Ireland winner with Kilkenny Jackie Tyrrell posted the following moving message on Twitter about his former manager Cody.
"One of the very very lucky ones to have witnessed Brian Cody up close in action. His passion and love for Kilkenny hurling is unparalleled. Honoured to have been managed by the greatest Manager ever"
So for the first time since 1998 the hunt is on for a new Kilkenny senior hurling manager. If the new boss has even half the career Cody had, then they'll be a very successful manager indeed.
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READ MORE: Henry Shefflin pens classy goodbye tweet to Brian Cody as Kilkenny managers ends legendary reign
