Brian Cody has been ratified by the Kilkenny county board to stay on as the Cats hurling manager for a 19th year.

Cody, who led Kilkenny to the All-Ireland final in September only to be beaten by Tipperary, has won 11 All-Ireland titles with the county.

He won a third consecutive Leinster hurling title against Galway over the summer, his 15th as Kilkenny boss.

Cody’s backroom will again be composed of selectors Michael Dempsey, James McGarry and Derek Lyng.

Meanwhile, Eddie Brennan continues as U21 manager while Pat O Grady, who managed the intermediate side to an All Ireland title in 2016, takes over as minor manager.

Anthony Mc Cormack takes on the role of intermediate manager and Christy Walsh continues as football manager.

Brian Cody holds aloft the Liam McCarthy Cup in September last year after their All-Ireland final victory over Galway. Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy