HE HASN’T GONE away you know.

While the country prepares for a replay between Cork and Clare to top a wide-open summer of hurling, Kilkenny have been quietly regrouping.

The Noresiders tonight ratified iconic manager Brian Cody for 2014 at a specially-convened county board meeting. Next season will be his 16th in charge of the county.

Interestingly, Cody will be joined in the Nowlan Park backroom by Michael Dempsey, James McGarry and Derek Lyng while Martin Fogarty stands aside.

McGarry played in goal in the 1999 All-Ireland final defeat to Cork, the win over the Rebels in 2006 and was subsequently an understudy to PJ Ryan; he has a half dozen all-Ireland titles. He made an emotional cameo appearance in the championship decider of 2008 against Waterford, after the death of his wife, Vanessa.

Derek Lyng, meanwhile, is a two-time all Star and also has six Celtic Crosses.

What do you think?

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