In a week that’s seen Arne Slot leave Liverpool, Jose Mourinho return to Real Madrid and Marco Silva leave Fulham for Benfica, the biggest managerial change comes a lot closer to home with Kilkenny County Board confirming on Tuesday evening that Derek Lyng has stepped down as Kilkenny senior hurling manager.
The Emeralds clubman has been in charge of the Cats for the past four seasons, taking over following the departure of Brian Cody in July of 2022.
Lyng’s exit comes off the back of a disappointing league and championship campaign that saw Kilkenny beaten in the final game of the Leinster round-robin by Dublin to join Tipperary and Waterford in an early summer exit – a first championship defeat by Dublin since 2013 and their earliest summer exit since the introduction of the round-robin format.
His time at the forefront of Kilkenny senior hurling yielded three provincial titles and a place in the 2023 All-Ireland senior hurling final against Limerick, along with contesting the 2023 and 2024 league finals against Limerick and Clare, respectively.
Kilkenny GAA Statement
Derek’s association with Kilkenny hurling spans almost three decades, during which he served the county with distinction as a player, selector and manager.
As a player, he enjoyed a remarkable career, winning six All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, ten Leinster Senior Hurling Championships, five National Hurling League titles, three Railway Cup medals and two All-Stars. As a member of Brian Cody’s senior management team from 2014 to 2019, he helped secure two All-Ireland titles, three Leinster Championships and two National Hurling League titles.
Derek subsequently guided Kilkenny to Leinster and All-Ireland U20 Championship success in 2022, before taking charge of the senior team later that year. During his four seasons as Senior Team Manager, Kilkenny won three Leinster Senior Hurling Championship titles, reached the 2023 All-Ireland Final, contested two National Hurling League Finals and reached two All-Ireland semi-finals.
During his tenure as Senior Team Manager, Derek brought great professionalism, leadership and commitment to the role. He represented Kilkenny with pride and integrity and gave generously of his time and energy in pursuit of success for the county both on and off the field. His passion for Kilkenny hurling has been evident throughout his involvement.
Kilkenny County Board Chairman, PJ Kenny said:
“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.”
The process of appointing a new Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team Manager will now begin.
