The term 'the end of an era' is bandied about far too often in the world of sport, but Brian Cody's departure from Kilkenny yesterday truly did bring an end to special period in the GAA's storied history.
Cody's tally as a manager will likely never be matched again: 11 All-Irelands, 18 provincial crowns, and ten league titles. The type of longevity he displayed is something we are unlikely to see in the sport moving forward.
Of course, the conversation has quickly switched to discussing potential replacements. There are a number of interesting candidates, with Henry Shefflin the name most likely to set the pulses racing in Kilkenny.
Perhaps the greatest player to ever wear the black and amber, the 43-year old has quickly established an impressive coaching CV. His time in charge of Ballyhale Shamrocks featured a huge amount of success, while his first year in inter-county management with Galway saw the county make some major strides. He even had time for a couple of run-ins with his former manager.
End of an Era, Memories which will be treasured forever. Best wishes Brian. https://t.co/FeLxuWBVcE
— Henry Shefflin (@ShefflinHenry) July 23, 2022
However, is the timing all wrong for a potential return to Kilkenny?
Aidan Fogarty casts doubts on Henry Shefflin Kilkenny return
Considering that Shefflin has spent less than 12 months in his current role, he may resist any advances to coach his old team for now.
Speaking to RTÉ, former Kilkenny star Aidan Fogarty said he doesn't think the timing is right for his former teammate's return. He would go on to mention some other intriguing candidates for the position.
First of all, Kilkenny won't go outside the county. They’ll pick someone inside the county. There’s plenty of players that have won enough, that know enough about the hurling game to go in as manager.
In terms of Henry Shefflin, I’d love to see him train Kilkenny. He’s only given one year in Galway, would he leave so soon?
I suppose he saw [Liam] Cahill going to Tipperary with [Colm] Bonnar only getting a year. It totally depends.
In my view I couldn't see Henry coming. I’m not counting him out, I’d love to see him come eventually.
You have other guys, you have Derek Lyng there my own club man. [He’s] after winning an All-Ireland with the under-20s and in my view he won it in the same fashion that Brian Cody would have won certain matches over the years.
He got the best out of that group of players. They weren’t the most flamboyant players but grasped it and worked hard and he got them over the line.
If you’re talking about front-runners, Derek Lyng is up there, Michael Fennelly with Offaly, Eddie Brennan obviously as well over the years with Laois.
It’s hard to know. Henry’s name will be bandied around the place, personally I couldn’t see him going after one year with Galway.
A Henry Shefflin return would certainly be exciting, but as Forget mentions, there are plenty other strong options to be considered.
Regardless of who takes up the role, it will certainly be surreal to see someone other than Brian Cody patrolling the sideline for Kilkenny in 2023.
SEE ALSO: The Brian Cody Ruthlessness Top 5
