Every sport has a great sporting hero. Someone who stands head and shoulders above other champions of their sport. Ireland has few, if any, sports stars or managers that have seen the success and been as dominant in their trade as Kilkenny’s Brian Cody. Mention hurling and you think Kilkenny. Mention hurling managers and it is Cody that is first in peoples’ minds. Following a stellar playing career for Kilkenny in the 70’s and 80’s which saw him win, among other things, 3 All Ireland Senior Hurling titles and 2 Nation Hurling League titles, Cody eventually moved into management. Taking the helm as Kilkenny manager in 1999, there began what can only be described as a dynasty of success. In the 20 seasons that have followed, so too have the accolades and silverware. Cody tasted success as a player and as a manager he has rewritten the record books. 

Brian Cody knows all about building and managing successful teams, what it takes to be a true leader and how to successfully motivate and inspire a team to win again and again and again. Leading Kilkenny into a twenty-first season was not a hardship for Brian Cody, it was a choice.

After stepping down as Kilkenny's manager in 2022, Cody continued to influence the sport. He has shared his insights on leadership and team dynamics at numerous events. Cody's experience in leading successful teams has made him a sought-after speaker, particularly in the realms of leadership, team building, and motivation. In keynotes Brian explores the key values that underpin the relentless hunger for success that made Kilkenny such a competitive force leading to eleven All-Ireland titles and yet still wanting more.

Cody serves on the National Hurling Development Committee, focusing on promoting and developing hurling, especially in regions where the sport faces challenges. Brian Cody's legacy extends beyond his on-field successes; his strategic vision and leadership continue to inspire and influence both the sporting world and broader organizational contexts.