NOT NORMAL…Kilkenny’s 13-point hammering at the hands of Clare was a real wake-up call for the Cats

GAELIC Life hurling columnist John Martin believes that the questions surrounding the Kilkenny hurlers are more justified than they have ever been under Brian Cody.

Writing in today’s Gaelic Life after the Cats’ heavy loss to Clare on Sunday, Martin says that the legendary manager is facing an issue that he hasn’t really experienced before.

“In the 2009 Leinster semi-final, when his forwards weren’t firing on all cylinders, Cody looked to his bench and saw TJ Reid and Richie Hogan sitting twiddling their thumbs. He brought them both on. Since then he has lost some of the greatest players in the history of the game, and has miraculously made the transition look almost seamless.

“He has pulled some rabbits from the hat over the past couple of years, but it will take one serious size of a top hat if he is to repeat the feat in 2017.”

The full column is available in today’s Gaelic Life, in shops now or available here.