Kilkenny’s All-Ireland-winning captain Eoin Larkin has spoken about the “shock” and suddenness of the news that manager Brian Cody had undergone minor heart surgery earlier this month, and would be absent from the sidelines for six weeks – including Sunday’s league semi-final against Galway.

“We found out about an hour before the press release was released,” said Larkin. “It was a big shock to everyone, a big shock to me anyway. But I think he’s doing okay and that’s good news. We’ve been told he’ll be recovering for six weeks, so hopefully it won’t be too long after that before he’s back with us.”

In the meantime selectors Martin Fogarty and Mick Dempsey have taken charge, and Larkin sees no problems with those two filling in for Cody: “There was never any main man anyway, the three of them were involved in everything. It’s seamless to be honest, with Brian gone. The two lads are well qualified to do the job and they’re doing a fantastic job so far.

“I’m sure Brian will probably have a say on the phone. They’re doing a great job at the moment with the training and that. They’re fanatical about hurling. Mick is a football man but I think he’s changed over to hurling since he came on board with us.

“But Brian is doing well. We’re just getting on with our job and training away. When he’s back, he’s back. I can’t ever remember him missing a training session or a match. But we have to get on with our job and let Brian recover. He’ll be back in the summer.”