Derek Lyng: Limerick remain the benchmark but final loss long digested

"I mean, it is apparent but you can underestimate the skill-set that they have. They perform at such a high level. They have guys that are 6ft4in, 6’5” but they're as skilful as any players around the country."

LIMERICK THE BENCHMARK: Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng. Pic Credit: Ken Sutton, Inpho.

Per se, 2023 wasn’t Derek Lyng’s first rodeo. A selector to Brian Cody in 2014 and ’15, he was no wide-eyed wanderer when he succeeded the great man.

And yet there were surprises. Namely, the ferocious speed and intensity of the season never mind the game itself. From facing Wexford on Sunday, he knows it’s a case of taking one deep breath and going.