Lyng won’t linger on that losing feeling
He was a relative newcomer then and was soon immersed in the magnificent League and championship double double success.
This season he remembers very clearly what it felt like to be on the losing side recalling the Leinster semi-final loss to Wexford. “It was a terrible feeling altogether,” Lyng admits.
“Wexford outhurled us that day and deserved their win; it was just the way it happened, with the last puck of the ball. We had nearly sneaked a win and to lose like that was devastating.
“Since then we’ve been trying to put it right, and making hard work of it. “But we’re getting there.”
He was a late bloomer: Lyng - from the Emeralds club in Urlingford and a medical rep with Glaxo Smith Kline - never represented Kilkenny at minor level while his U-21 involvement was limited to being a sub on the winning All-Ireland team of 1999.
Then he blossomed onto the senior side, playing a prominent part in Kilkenny’s 2002 League and championship double success.
Pat Tennyson, who played at wing-forward in the drawn game with Clare a fortnight ago, was his midfield partner. At the time they were considered stopgap solutions and weren’t really expected to keep their places in the championship.
“We kept winning [in the League] and it gave us a bit of confidence. Brian Cody stuck with the team and we got to the final. We got a result there and he kept faith with everyone until the Offaly match; once we got the win under our belt it was a question of holding on to our places. I remember Pat Tennyson got injured in that game and lost out.”
Initially, Lyng was introduced as a defender - he operated mainly at half-back with his club, occasionally in midfield. But, it’s in midfield that he has established his reputation in a relatively short time.
However, he found the tactics employed by Clare frustrating enough, especially in the first game.
“The ball seemed to be flying from one half-back line to the other. You have days like that when the ball isn’t breaking around midfield. We got some ball, but it wasn’t as much as I’d like to be winning,” he said.
“In that first game, we did well to hold out and nearly won it. But, once Tommy Walsh was sent off, our backs were to the wall. Clare used the extra man well. They had it worked out well.”
But what of their new route to the All-Ireland semis? The feelings are mixed.
“Clearly, the more matches you play, the better. Ideally, we could have done with another week. On the other hand, we could be out of the championship altogether and we’d be giving out again.
“We’re happy enough to be in the situation we’re in.”
Lyng was among the many interested Kilkenny supporters at the Munster Final and was impressed by Waterford’s form that day in Thurles.
“They played super hurling, in fairness. After John Mullane was sent off, I thought they were in trouble. But, they really showed bottle to win and Paul Flynn came up trumps. They have brilliant forwards and they could destroy you on the day.
“It’s going to be very tough match, definitely the hardest all year. That’s what we’re expecting. From the very word go, we’re going to have to try and get on top, get a few early scores. Things don’t always go to plan, it’s possible they could get the start they want. Then, you have to keep at it - and you need the bit of luck as well.
“Hopefully, Henry Shefflin will get the all-clear. He’s the best forward in the game. We could do with having our best man there!”
