Brian Cody lauded his players in the aftermath of their latest All-Ireland win and said it was possible their best ever display as Waterford were overwhelmed. Plan B was enacted as the stands swelled free of Kilkenny supporters, following their 23-point victory over Waterford - there was certainly no need for a Plan B for the cunning Brian Cody who masterminded this triumph, and with it a 31st All-Ireland SHC title for the Cats. And there was nothing going to hold back the feelings of the ecstatic primary school teacher who was clearly overjoyed by his sides' flawless display, when he gathered his composure to face the media after the match. "Terrific!," Cody enthused. "Obviously it's a super feeling - that's what it's all about and that's what this day is all about." A superb feeling and Cody was quick to credit his players, eight of whom got on the score-sheet as Kilkenny powered to a 23-point win over neighbours Waterford. "The players were outstanding, they were terrific from start to finish and they were totally focussed and they hurled at a very serious level. They got no more than they put into their game. They are serious players; serious operators and they are top-class fellas, and I'm absolutely delighted for them." Cody's eighth All-Ireland final appearance as Kilkenny manager delivered its sixth title. Not bad for a man who took over in 1999, following one of the Cats longest periods without All-Ireland Senior success. A well placed Cody was quick to salute his troops when asked was this as good a display as he has presided over, during his spell as Kilkenny manager. "It is without a shadow of a doubt. To come up here on All-Ireland final day against Waterford, and to play at that level - to play at that level on this very day." Nerves, pressure and hype are three factors which are often mentioned in the lead up to All-Ireland final days, especially for the underdog side. However Cody was quick to point out that his side like others face their own pressures, and he was thrilled to see his side deliver another top-drawer performance on a September Sunday at Croke Park. "This day by its nature brings its own pressures and concerns but it is a big day. It is the day of days for all hurlers and to come and hit the pitch running and give a display like that is something you would like to be able to visualise before that. It was an outstanding performance without a shadow of a doubt," added Cody. An outstanding performance indeed and one which will be certainly hard to replicate by the challengers, if the Cats are to be denied a four-in-a-row in the 2009 Championship. Tweet

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