“I think there’s an effort in the GAA to take all personality out of players” – Wooly on Cody comments

This is the Kilkenny way.

Fresh from yet another National Hurling League triumph at the weekend, the most successful bainisteoir in the history of the GAA gave a brilliant interview to Tim Moynihan on Radio Kerry. During it, the topic of egos in the dressing room came under discussion and Cody made it fairly clear that any player with a big head is told exactly where to go in Kilkenny.

"I understand where Brian Cody is coming from," began Wooly. "He's an unbelievable manager, but I think it's an extremely conservative way of thinking about things. "I think an ego is no harm, You tap into that confidence of players. "I honestly think there's a concerted effort in the GAA to take all personality out of players. All unique personality traits or flair is seen as an absolutely horrible thing. "I think an ego or two isn't bad in the dressing room. A whole load of fellas going around with egos is unhealthy, I agree with Cody there, but you'll tolerate one or two fellas. "Some fellas can have an ego, and it'll be a really likeable quality in them. I like someone who is sure of themselves. "I always had an ego. I think any inter-county player that got to that level and says they don't have an ego... I don't know. Everybody has a bit of an ego."

Conan was singing off the same hymn sheet. He sees an egotistical player as one with plenty of self confidence and he feels this can help to inspire others around them.

"I always thought that bit of arrogance would rub off on players, especially when you're getting ready for a game when you're looking at somebody, thinking, he's pretty sure of himself. Then you're looking forward to getting into battle with him. It's good to be on the same team as them."

So long as it's not too far out of control, it can help the team bond too because these lads with the egos are often at the centre of the jokes in the dressing room.

"And it's a bit of craic as well. Normally the boys with the ego are the boys you can poke fun at," said Conan.

Conor Heneghan honed in on the criticism directed at players who celebrate scoring a point. It all feeds into the notion that we as a nation encourage our peers to aim high and to succeed, but once they do, we try and bring them straight back down to earth.

"Just look at the reaction to a player who's celebrating a score, 'oh who does he think he is?'" "I'd 100% agree, I think you have to tolerate egos as long as they're not detracting from the team and are putting in the same effort," he said. "Often these are the fellas you'd look to to pull the game out of the fire when it's going against you, because they have that personality."

It's all about striking that balance. You can listen to this chat and much more from Wooly, Conor and Conan on Thursday's GAA Hour Show. https://soundcloud.com/sportsjoe-gaa-hour/super-8s-home-games-egos-are-bad-mkay-dublin-fleg-ii