Brian Cody’s long reign at the helm of the Kilkenny hurlers is set to continue for an 18th season after he was last night ratified by the county board to remain as manager.

The 61-year-old is the most successful intercounty hurling manager in history and will look to add to his collection next year by collecting a third successive All-Ireland title with the Cats.

Cody has already led Kilkenny to 11 All-Ireland wins, 14 Leinster Championships as well as eight National League crowns.

Kilkenny beat Galway in this year’s final at Croke Park on a scoreline of 1-22 to 1-18 and dominated the 2015 Hurling All-Stars team with seven players named in the side.

The Liam McCarthy Cup holders will face the winner of Dublin versus Wexford in next year’s Leinster championship semi-final.