Brian Cody was ratified as Kilkenny senior hurling team manager for a 22nd season at tonight's Kilkenny GAA county Board meeting and will be assisted in the 2020 season by selectors DJ Carey and James McGarry.

Derek Lyng, who Carey has replaced, will manage the Kilkenny U-20s in 2020.

Michael Comerford has been named as senior team strength and conditioning coach after the long-serving Michael Dempsey decided to step down from the position.

In a statement released tonight, Kilkenny GAA paid tribute to the departing Dempsey: "Kilkenny GAA would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Dempsey for his contribution to GAA in Kilkenny.

"Michael Dempsey joined Brian Cody in the senior management team in 2005 and has since being a constant presence behind the scenes, no more so than during Kilkenny’s four in a row from 2006-2009 and also in Kilkenny’s All-Ireland successes in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

"On behalf of Kilkenny GAA and Brian Cody we wish Michael all the best in the future and to thank him for his immense contribution to hurling in Kilkenny."