There's only one Michael Fennelly, and nobody is more aware of that this week than Kilkenny manager Brian Cody.
The Ballyhale man suffered an Achilles tendon injury in Kilkenny's semi-final victory over Waterford and misses this Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final showdown against Tipperary at Croke Park.
"He had a huge influence on us getting to the final and now he can’t play in the final – that’s tough, that’s cruel and that’s sport," Cody told RTÉ Sport, "but Michael Fennelly is not available to us - there isn't Michael Fennellys around the place."
Cody is deeply sympathetic towards the plight of his injured star, but hopes his panel can cope with the loss in this weekend's much-anticipated final (3.30pm, live on RTÉ One).
And Cody spoke glowingly of the 31-year-old midfielder’s skills and his influence on the All-Ireland champions in reaching yet another final.
Cody said: “You could list any hurler from any era and Michael Fennelly is up there. He brings everything to the game, he has all the qualities needed.
“He obviously is a big man, physically very, very strong. Huge skill levels - great composure, and decision maker on the field. And a leader as well.
“It’s a huge personal blow to Michael. He had a huge influence on us getting to the final and now he can’t play in the final – that’s tough, that’s cruel and that’s sport. Unfortunately that’s the down side of sport.
“We’re a panel, we always have been a panel and always will be a panel and the panel takes over and we drive on."
When asked would certain adjustments be made to the team to compensate for the loss of the 2011 Hurler of the Year, Cody dismissed this notion emphatically.
“No because we can’t replace Michael Fennelly with Michael Fennelly. Michael Fennelly is not available to us. There’s not Michael Fennellys around the place,” Cody said.
He continued: “Whoever comes in, they just bring their own presence, their own personality, their own skill-set to the game, their own focus to the game. And they will influence the game as importantly as anyone else.”
