Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng says the early part of the season is all about experimentation as the Cats continue their preparations for the year ahead.
An experimental Kilkenny side booked their place in the Walsh Shield final with a convincing 2-17 to 0-10 victory over Laois in the semi-final at Rathdowney yesterday. The Cats will now face Kildare in next Sunday’s final at a Kilkenny venue, with live coverage on KCLR.
Speaking after the game, Lyng outlined the thinking behind the changes and the wider direction the panel is taking as preparations continue.
“It’s important at this time of year that we try things out. You know, there’s a lot of new faces there as well, which is really important. There’s a great energy about the place, back playing games out, which is what we want as well.”
The Kilkenny boss highlighted the impact of new players coming through, particularly those involved with colleges competitions, and the value of exposing them to high-level opposition early on.
“So a lot of new lads coming in there, the colleges is important as well. It’s a great experience for those lads, to get to test themselves again. Really quality opposition, so we’re more than happy for those lads to be playing in those games.”
Lyng also pointed to the level of enthusiasm within the wider panel, stressing that competition for places will be key as the season progresses.
“The application as we got back has been fantastic and there’s a lot of enthusiasm there. Lads want to play for Kilkenny, and we’ve real competition there, and we need to have that.”
