Lyng backs Kilkenny’s lesser lights to make Championship splash

Those who think that the Kilkenny team that lines out against Cork in the final and defining round of the 2013 Allianz Hurling League Division 1A on Sunday is an ‘interim’ side, that several players are merely keeping the jersey warm for all the ‘regulars’ still to return, have short memories.

As Derek Lyng readily and happily testifies, Brian Cody simply doesn’t do interim. In 2002, Kilkenny having lost their All-Ireland title the previous September, Lyng was one of several relative unknowns introduced by Cody for the league but who went on to nail down places as the Cats did the league and championship double. That laid the foundation for a dominance that still prevails, as Lyng went on to win six All-Ireland titles, four leagues and two All-Star awards.

Looking through this year’s fledgling stars, he sees several who could yet do the same. “Eoin Murphy in goals has looked really assured whenever he’s played, looks very confident — he’s going to push David Herity all the way, going to be a right battle there.