The Cody tradition is sure to continue in Kilkenny after father Brian handed his son Diarmuid a starting jersey for their first round league clash against Waterford tomorrow.

Brian Cody is not a man who indulges in sentiment when it comes to picking his team and that includes family considerations.

But son Diarmuid never needed to pray for an exemption and earned his call-up on the back of a series of impressive performances for the Kilkenny U21's.

Young Cody's introduction allows Cillian Buckley to slot into midfield while Michael Fennelly will take his place among the replacements. Tomorrow's side contains plenty of match winning experience, with 12 of the All-Ireland winning team in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Ger Aylward and Eoin Larkin have been omitted from selection due to injury with Jonjo Farrell and Mark Kelly coming into replace them in the forward line.