Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng is determined to see his side hit the ground running in their Allianz Hurling League opener against Clare next Sunday.
Reflecting on their final pre-season game against Offaly, Lyng emphasized the importance of a strong start, something he felt was lacking in Saturday’s clash.
Despite the sluggish opening, the Cats roared to a commanding 5-23 to 1-17 victory at Faithful Fields, with plenty of positives to take from the performance.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the game was Paddy Deegan’s deployment in the forward line. Known for his versatility and typically seen further back the field, Deegan’s presence in attack raised some eyebrows. When asked if this positional shift might become a regular feature, Lyng left the door open for possibilities.
“Paddy has played in the forwards before, and he has been very good there,” said Lyng. “We’re asking something different from Paddy there, but Paddy can play anywhere, and can do well anywhere in any position. So look, for today, we just wanted to have a look at it, and we’ll see in the next few weeks.”
As Kilkenny prepare for the challenge of Clare, Lyng and his management team will undoubtedly use the lessons from the Offaly game to refine their approach.
You can hear more from Derek Lyng, along with a comprehensive preview of Kilkenny and Carlow’s Allianz League campaigns, on the latest episode of the KCLR Hurling Podcast. It’s available now wherever you get your podcasts.
