GAA: Kilkenny manager Brian Cody admits his side face tough task against Limerick

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has laughed off suggestions his side 'ran out of legs' last season as their bid for a fourth successive All-Ireland title ended at the hands of Cork in the All-Ireland quarter final.

The Rebels' 0-19 to 0-14 victory at Semple Stadium halted Kilkenny's bid for an eighth straight Croke Park appearance but Cody believes the reasons lie elsewhere.

It wasn’t a question of us running out of legs... we never played to a fantastic level last year.

Ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland Hurling semi-final against Limerick at Croke Park, Cody said: “I don’t think that happened to us. I don’t think so.

"We were happy to be playing those matches last year and it wasn’t a question of us running out of legs at all.

"It’s just that we never played to a fantastic level last year. We dug out games and fought powerfully to win games against Tipperary and Waterford – the spirit and drive were excellent. But we weren’t hurling freely.

Freshness

“Freshness has always been a part of our game, part and parcel of it, keeping going until September. I don’t think freshness has ever been a problem for us, nor will it be the next day.

"I don’t think you can tire of being competitive or of striving to make the All-Ireland final.”

And Cody admits he is expecting a tough match this weekend after being taken by Limerick's displays on the road to Croke Park.
 
“I was impressed with Limerick against Wexford and before that as well," he said. 

I was impressed with Limerick against Wexford and before that as well,

"They were in an All-Ireland semi-final last year and would have been disappointed that they didn’t play to their potential in that game. They’ve been working since.

“They’re strong all over the field, have great experience, plus they’ve some great players who have come through in the last few years.

“Against Wexford they were outstanding. They were looking ahead of that match obviously as it went on, with everyone fighting for his place. 

"It’s a competitive situation. They have a strong panel, they showed that. They lined out without Donal O’Grady who is obviously a huge player for them. The thing worked seamlessly with the quality of subs coming on as well.