Derek Lyng succeeds Brian Cody as Cats boss, Kilkenny chiefs confirm 

The county board ratified a three-year term for the former selector tonight. 

TOP CAT: Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng with match-winning point scorer Joe Fitzpatrick after an U-20 game. Lyng has graduated to the senior job after his ratification tonight.

Brian Cody’s former selector and outgoing U20 boss Derek Lyng has been named as the 11-time All-Ireland SHC winning manager’s successor in Kilkenny.

Emeralds man Lyng was last night ratified on a three-year term with his management team yet to be finalised. Niall Bergin has been given the green light for another season as U17 manager.

Six-time All-Ireland SHC winner Lyng, 44, brought the U20s to an All-Ireland title against Limerick in May, the county’s first at the U20/U21 grade in 14 years. He won two All-Irelands as a selector working alongside Brian Cody in 2014 and ‘15 during a six-season spell before switching to the under-age grade in 2020.

In his third year as U20 manager, the win over Limerick was a surprise one. His selectors were former Kilkenny stars and team-mates Peter Barry and Michael Rice. Lyng only recently commenced a new job as applied performance specialist manager with Dublin-based sports analysis company Kitman Labs.

In a statement this evening, Kilkenny GAA announced: “Following Thursday night's meeting of Kilkenny County Board, Derek Lyng has been ratified as the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Manager. A three-year term has been agreed. Selectors and backroom team will be confirmed later.

“Niall Bergin has been ratified as U-17 manager for the season ahead, while the process of appointing a U-20 manager will now begin. Kilkenny County Board wishes Derek and Niall the very best of luck during the season ahead. The County Board will not be issuing any further statement.” Ex-midfielder Lyng made his senior debut under Cody in 2001 and first championship start the following season when he claimed a first Celtic Cross and All-Star. He doubled his haul the following season after the All-Ireland final win over Cork.

A third All-Ireland medal followed in 2006, the first of four in succession, including the 2009 final victory against Tipperary. He lost his position in 2010 and retired following that season. As well as six All-Irelands, Lyng claimed nine Leinster medals, five Division 1 titles, Leinster and All-Ireland U21 medals in 1999 and three Railway Cups.

Earlier speculation suggested Lyng, a graduate of Setanta College, was out of the running for the position. It is understood he was also linked to vacancies in other counties and former selectors Martin Fogarty and James McGarry were being mentioned as the potential replacement to Cody but following days of intense discussions Lyng was recommended by the executive to club delegates.