Under the stewardship of Brian Cody, Kilkenny senior hurlers have appeared in 14 All-Ireland finals. On Sunday next at Croke Park, they will attempt to make that 15 when they face Waterford in the last four.
In his time in charge, Cody has shuffled the pack more often than not in trying to give the Cats the edge over the chasing pack. The end result is that Liam MacCarthy has wintered with some regularity on Noreside.
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Richie Power won eight All-Ireland medals in his Kilkenny career and therefore is well versed to speak on Brian Cody’s amazing success.
"Brian always seems to be able to get the best out of guys, to install that hunger into every player, so that the group wants to come back every year wanting to win an All-Ireland,” he outlined to RTÉ Sport.
"The team is not short of leaders – the likes of TJ Reid, Richie Hogan, Kieran Joyce and Joey Holden – and then, as Brian does every year, new faces come in.
“That helps to freshen things up and keep everyone on their toes.”
"Brian has always said ‘if you work hard you have a great chance'"
The Carrickshock clubman then went on to reference a strong work ethic that has underlined Kilkenny’s dominance.
"What you have is fellas going out just wanting to win their own battles,” he said.
"A spirit has been built up in that if one guy is in trouble, there are three guys in there to help him out.
"The work rate of the team is phenomenal. Brian has always said ‘if you work hard you have a great chance'.
“That is the whole ethos in Kilkenny. When you combine the work rate with the talent that is there, it makes for a very formidable team.
Looking ahead to the semi-final encounter with Derek McGrath’s Waterford, Power is confident the Cats can get over this latest hurdle.
“The team are playing well, training is going well and the same mentality and vibe appears to be there from previous seasons, so I’m confident of a winning performance on Sunday,” was Power's prediction.
“As to how the game will pan out, I think the key battle will be in the middle third. Breaking ball will be crucial, as will Tadhg de Búrca’s role as the Waterford sweeper
"Waterford like to crowd that middle third and get on as much ball as possible.
"I think if Waterford are going to win they’ll have to have more players in the inside forward line. Having one player inside is not enough to beat a team like Kilkenny.
"In many ways I think it will be a similar game to last year's All-Ireland sem-final."
The Cats won that encounter by six points, with TJ Reid's goal setting them on their way after 17 minutes.
Sunday 7 August: Live coverage of Kilkenny v Waterford on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player from 1345. Live radio commentary on Sunday Sport from 1400. Watch highlights of all the weekend's GAA action on The Sunday Game from 2130 on RTÉ One.
