Cody thrilled with Cats' three-in-a-row

As the face of Davy Fitzgerald beamed onto the TV screens of the press conference room at Croke Park during his post-match interview with RTÉ, a joyous Brian Cody faced the media relishing in his sixth All-Ireland victory as Kilkenny manager.

And there was nothing going to hold back the feelings of the ecstatic primary school teacher.

'It's terrific! Obviously it's a super feeling, that's what it's all about and that's what this day is all about,' he beamed.

Eight Kilkenny players got on the scoresheet but an all-round team performance was required as Cody's troops powered to a 23-point win over neighbours Waterford.

Cody pointed all his praise in the direction of his players who gave the 'display of their lives' in order to produce such a memorable success.

'The players were outstanding, they were terrific from start to finish and they were totally focused and they hurled at a very serious level.

'They got no more than they put into their game. They are serious players...serious operators and they are top class fellas and I'm absolutely delighted for them.'

And the James Stephens clubman conceded that it was a display he expected from his side.

'I could always see it coming and it doesn't surprise me when it comes.

'I can cheerfully say before any match I have been involved with this team - and I have said it many, many times - that it is a guarantee that we will give ourselves every chance to win the games. A guarantee that we will perform, a guarantee that the players will work.

'When you have that and you know in your heart of hearts that the players bring that guarantee with them then you know that there is a really good chance of winning. They performed brilliantly.'

Asked if this as good a display as he has presided over as Kilkenny boss, he admitted: 'It is, without a shadow of a doubt.

'To come up here on All-Ireland final day against Waterford, and to play at that level...to play at that level on this very day.

'This day by its nature brings its own pressures and concerns but it is a big day. It is the day of days for all hurlers and to come and hit the pitch running and give a display like that is something you would like to be able to visualise before that.

'It was an outstanding performance without a shadow of a doubt.'