Kilkenny star Lyng announces inter-county retirement

KILKENNY legend Derek Lyng has retired from inter-county hurling.

Lyng said: “There is never an ideal time to do something like this, but the time is right for me now. I had a great innings. I played with and against some of the greatest hurlers who ever lived and I picked up a few honours along the way.”

The 32-year-old Emeralds (Urlingford) midfielder joined the senior squad in 2001 and won six senior All-Ireland titles, four leagues, four Railway Cups, nine Leinster championships and two All-Star awards.

“Playing with Kilkenny always meant a huge amount to me,” said Lyng. “I always had massive pride in it and I never took anything for granted. If you relaxed, someone would have overtaken you and you would be gone.

“I loved everything about it, the training, the camaraderie, the atmosphere of the big match. I found playing for your county in a full Croke Park to be inspiring.” He will continue to play with the Emeralds.