End of an era as Brian Cody steps down from Kilkenny

Brian Cody has announced his retirement as manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team, ending a 24-year reign of unprecedented success.

The 68-year-old announced his decision to step down from the hot-seat in the wake of the Cats' All-Ireland final defeat to Limerick on Sunday.

The news was confirmed in a statement released by Kilkenny GAA this afternoon, in which they described Cody as the "greatest manager in the history of hurling" and said he had created "an unbreakable spirit" within Kilkenny hurling.

"Appointed in November 1998, Brian has led the Kilkenny team to unprecedented provincial and national success and is regarded as the greatest manager in the history of hurling," the statement said.

"As manager, his teams have won eleven All Ireland Hurling Championships (including a record-equalling four in a row between 2006 and 2009), eighteen Leinster Championships, ten National Hurling League titles, seven Walsh Cup titles and an Oireachtas Tournament title.

"In achieving all of this success Brian has created an unbreakable spirit among his players and teams which has come to define Kilkenny hurling.

"On behalf of Kilkenny people everywhere, Kilkenny County Board extends sincere gratitude to Brian for his life time of contribution to the county and the commitment and passion he brought as a player and as manager, working tirelessly with a single aim, to do what was best for Kilkenny hurling.

"The Board would also like to acknowledge the bond Brian helped create between Team Management, Players, County Board, Clubs and Supporters Clubs as all worked seamlessly together in preparing our teams while organising and promoting our games.

"We are aware of the huge debt we owe Brian for the wonderful successes and occasions we