Lyng has 'no doubt' about Kilkenny character after heavy defeat to Galway

Kilkenny lost to Galway by 15 points in their opening game of the Leinster SHC

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng: “I thought we were a little bit nervy, to be honest." Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Kilkenny’s confidence will be rattled after they suffered their biggest Leinster championship defeat since 1990, admitted manager Derek Lyng.

The Leinster champions were five points down when John Donnelly was sent off after he caught Galway captain Darren Morrisey high at the start of the second half. It finished in a 15-point loss.

“I couldn't give an accurate description of it,” said Lyng of the red card. “Obviously, I think there was no argument from anybody, so it was a red card as far as I could tell.” 

They squandered numerous goal chances before TJ Reid eventually beat Darach Fahy from the penalty spot.

“I felt we were going to have to take our chances today and I felt we were just second-guessing a little bit too much on the ball,” said Lyng.

“I thought we were a little bit nervy, to be honest.

“Obviously, the last day up here wasn't a good experience as well and maybe that played in our minds a little bit. I've no doubt about the character in there. There is a bit of change, obviously. We've lost a few players and we've a few lads still away from injury, but we're asking a lot of some of the younger players as well.

“Some of them came in today and did their best. As far as I'm concerned now, this is game one. It's over, we've lost it. It is more or less knockout for us now and we have to face up to that. We need a quick turnaround next weekend.” 

A 10,489 crowd came expecting a backlash from Kilkenny after their heavy league defeat earlier this year. Lyng backed his side to bounce back from another one-sided result.

“Sport is a confidence game, there is no doubt. It's nothing unusual. These things can happen and it's about character and how you turn that around as well. That is going to be asked of us and rightly so. I'm confident I know what is in the dressing room. I know they're going to be hurting.” 

Meanwhile, Galway manager Micheál Donoghue was delighted with the showing from his new faces in particular. Rory Burke scored 2-2, Aaron Niland hit eight points including six frees, Jason Rabbitte fired a goal, Cian Daniels was terrific in midfield and Cillian Travers started at full-back.

“I've been saying it all year, the squad has gone through a fair transition. The young fellas that have come in have just brought unbelievable energy to the whole group. Every night at training, it's really evident the energy that's there and the spirit they've forged together is really good.” 

Their new style of play and running approach continues to advance. It demands precision from the middle third and patience from their inside line.

“It does and that is the key word, 'patience' in it. We're fortunate that with the forwards we have, we can rotate a good bit and everyone is fairly comfortable inside in it.

“The lads are working really well with Frannie [Forde] on the pitch. It is maybe gone beyond its infancy, but it is working very well.”