Brian Cody may not have been in Nowlan Park yesterday, but he still played a major part in Kilkenny's victory, according to selector Michael Dempsey.

Dempsey revealed after the 2-17 to 0-20 win over Tipperary that the GAA's most successful manager - who is recovering from heart surgery - had discussed tactics with him and fellow selector Martin Fogarty in the lead-up to the Allianz Hurling League decider.

"Brian is very much a delegator and he did tell us to get on with it," the Laois man said.

"The man has so much experience of hurling and we'd be afraid to make any dramatic changes without getting his approval. But even when we put difficult things to him, he said to get on with it. He was very supportive.

"Unfortunately, he couldn't be here for the final. It's a pity, playing a league final in Nowlan Park, that he wasn't able to attend.

"We're lucky we beat Tipp or he might come back a little quicker than we might want1"

Dempsey was delighted that the tactic of playing Michael Fennelly on the '40' had been such a success.

"Michael Fennelly scored two super goals in the first half. Michael Rice and Lester Ryan were fantastic the last day in midfield and with Richie Power out, we felt we needed some stature in the half forward line," he explained. Tweet

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