Derek Lyng steps down as Kilkenny senior hurling manager

Derek Lyng has stepped down as Kilkenny senior hurling manager, concluding a four-year tenure that saw the team secure three consecutive Leinster senior hurling titles.

Lyng, who took over from Brian Cody in August 2022, guided Kilkenny through the 2023-2025 Leinster championships. However, this year marked a departure from recent success, as the team did not progress beyond the round-robin stages of the provincial competition for the first time since the format's introduction. This outcome means Kilkenny will not advance to the All-Ireland series.

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A lot of players that got runs this year, that will certainly stand to them. They’ll be in a much better place to start the season up next year, no question about it. Kilkenny will win All-Irelands again and we’re going to have to just get our heads down and we have to keep working at that.

Lyng's departure comes after a season where Kilkenny secured only two wins in the Leinster championship, with losses to Galway and Dublin placing them fourth in their group. Despite the recent results, Lyng expressed confidence in the developing squad after their defeat to Dublin, stating, "A lot of players that got runs this year, that will certainly stand to them. They’ll be in a much better place to start the season up next year, no question about it." He added, "Kilkenny will win All-Irelands again and we’re going to have to just get our heads down and we have to keep working at that."

Kilkenny County Board chairman PJ Kenny acknowledged Lyng's significant contributions over nearly three decades as a player, selector, and manager. "Derek’s contribution to Kilkenny hurling over almost three decades has been immense. His commitment to the county has never been in question, and he has always carried out his role with honesty, integrity and pride," Kenny said. The board expressed deep gratitude for his service and wished him future success. The process to appoint a new manager will now commence, with potential candidates including Henry Shefflin and Brian Dowling.

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Derek’s contribution to Kilkenny hurling over almost three decades has been immense. His commitment to the county has never been in question, and he has always carried out his role with honesty, integrity and pride. On behalf of Kilkenny County Board and the people of Kilkenny, I would like to sincerely thank Derek for his outstanding service as a player, selector and manager. We are deeply grateful for everything he has done for Kilkenny hurling and wish him and his family every success in the future.