Cody wields the axe ahead of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland Quarter Final
Other intercounty hurling sides watch out – Brian Cody is angry and you won’t like him, or Kilkenny when they’re angry.
The Kilkenny hurling team have often been accused as having a ruthless streak and their boss Brian Cody lived up to that reputation by making five changes to his side ahead of tomorrow’s All-Ireland quarter final clash against Limerick in Semple stadium.
Cody has wielded the axe following the Cats surprising loss in the Leinster final against Galway, their first defeat in the Leinster Championship seven years, in what seems like an ominous move for every other team left in the Championship.
Granted some changes are out of necessity – Brian Hogan had been struggling with a leg injury he picked up in a club game, and he is replaced by Kieran Joyce.
JJ Delaney, who was missed the last day out and Galway running riot due to injury, is back. He replaces Noel Hickey.
Elsewhere Cody has torn up his midfield line-up with Cillian Buckley and Paddy Hogan gone and Michael Rice and 2011 Hurler of the Year Michael Fennelly taking over. Fennelly will be making his first Championship appearance of the summer.
Up front Aidan Fogarty comes in at the expense of TJ Reid.
Despite the loss the last day, everyone in the Championship knows that Kilkenny rarely slip up twice and when they’re out to prove a point, they usually prove it.
Good luck tomorrow Limerick, if this ruthless selection is anything to go by, Kilkenny are in a focused mood and you’re going to need all the luck you can get.
Kilkenny (SH v Limerick): David Herity; Paul Murphy, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrell; Tommy Walsh, Kieran Joyce, Richie Doyle; Michael Fennelly, Michael Rice; Eoin Larkin, Richie Power, Henry Shefflin; Colin Fennelly, Richie Hogan, Aidan Fogarty.
