While numerous inter-county managers have stayed quiet in solidarity with their players as the GAA-GPA fallout rumbles on, both Brian Cody and Liam Cahill fulfilled their media obligations.
The Kilkenny manager, who’s never been noted as a GPA sympathiser, wouldn’t be drawn on the expenses standoff other than to say, “I’m only here to talk about the match. You can talk about next week’s match either. They’re the only things I’m qualified to talk about.”
Cahill offered a little more on the matter.
“I’ve no views other than what I’m reading and there seems to be a lot of inconsistency from what I’m reading,” he said.
“I think it’s something the GPA will have to deal with – themselves and the GAA. For me, whatever happens, players can’t be out of pocket. That’s number one.
“These players put in massive effort. We’re not a five- and six-night unit here in Waterford.
“We don’t do that but I know there are other teams need to do that and if that’s the case it needs to be looked at and some happy medium found that players are looked after accordingly.”
Kilkenny’s six-point win sealed their spot in the semi-final against Cork next weekend, with Waterford all but assured of their passage to the last four regardless of the outcome. They will face neighbours Wexford.
The proximity of the League final to the start of the Leinster and Munster round robins - just two weeks - raises questions as to the ultimate value in chasing down the title over the next couple of weeks.
“Once you are out on the field everything kicks in,” said Cody. “You are playing hurling. Why would you not want to win? It always matters whether you want to win or lose. If it doesn’t matter there is something wrong.”
Meanwhile Cahill, in year three of his term in Waterford, is eyeing his first piece of silverware.
“We’re after getting beaten in two finals, Munster and All-Ireland finals over that period of time. We’re really anxious to get back into a national final again, which is the opportunity next weekend. We want to avail of that and do our best to get to a League final and try to win it.
“That’s the only way we can make progress is to keep getting to the big days and keep knocking on the door and see if we can get over the line.”
Cahill expressed concern about Calum Lyons and Conor Prunty, saying they’re “slow enough to come back” from injury while noting that the “clock is ticking”. Stephen Bennett was unavailable due to illness.
And while Cody has phased most of his Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent back in, TJ Reid has yet to reappear.
“TJ played through the club championship carrying an injury really, which he had to do understandably.
“He’s just doing a bit of rehab at the moment. Over the next few weeks hopefully he’ll get back into it. He certainly won’t make next weekend.”
