Derek Lyng steps down as Kilkenny manager

Kilkenny U20 manager Henry Shefflin and Kildare senior manager Brian Dowling will be among the favourites to succeed the 47-year-old.

Kilkenny were eliminated from this year's championship when they lost to Dublin last month. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Derek Lyng has stepped down as Kilkenny senior hurling manager after four seasons in charge.

The Emeralds man, who had a year remaining after a two-year renewal in September 2025, succeeded Brian Cody in August ‘22 and led the county to three consecutive Leinster SHC titles and the All-Ireland final in ’23.

Six-time All-Ireland SHC winner Lyng confirmed his departure to the Kilkenny County Board in the wake of the team’s championship exit when they lost to Dublin in their final round Leinster SHC game in Parnell Park last month.

Lyng’s Kilkenny were beaten by Limerick in the 2023 All-Ireland decider and were narrowly defeated by would-be All-Ireland champions Clare in the following season’s semi-final.

They lost out at the same stage last season to the future winners Tipperary when a Noel McGrath point attempt was waved wide but counted as a score and Kilkenny chased an erroneous deficit in the closing stages. Kilkenny were later issued an apology by the GAA.

The current U20 manager Henry Shefflin and Kildare senior manager Brian Dowling will be among the favourites to succeed the 47-year-old.

In a statement by the Kilkenny County Board on Tuesday evening, Lyng’s long association with Kilkenny hurling was lauded. The two-time All-Star was also part of Cody’s management team from 2014 to ’19, a period in which they claimed back-to-back Liam MacCarthy Cups.

Prior to taking over from Cody, Lyng guided The Cats to an All-Ireland U20 title in 2022. In his time as senior manager, he also brought Kilkenny to two Division 1 finals.

The statement read: “During his tenure as Senior Team Manager, Derek brought great professionalism, leadership and commitment to the role.

“He represented Kilkenny with pride and integrity and gave generously of his time and energy in pursuit of success for the county both on and off the field. His passion for Kilkenny hurling has been evident throughout his involvement.” 

Kilkenny chairman PJ Kenny commented: “Derek's contribution to Kilkenny hurling over almost three decades has been immense. His commitment to the county has never been in question, and he has always carried out his role with honesty, integrity and pride.

“On behalf of Kilkenny County Board and the people of Kilkenny, I would like to sincerely thank Derek for his outstanding service as a player, selector and manager. We are deeply grateful for everything he has done for Kilkenny hurling and wish him and his family every success in the future.” 

Lyng steps aside having brought on his former team-mate and ex-Laois manager Eddie Brennan and Laois and Wexford coach Niall Corcoran into his set-up this season.

Lyng’s old colleague Michael Rice as well as Peter O’Donovan had been part of his management team from the outset. Peter Barry had also continued to be involved.

Mickey Comerford had been his strength and conditioning coach, while former Limerick goalkeeper Timmy Houlihan had come on board to assist the netminders this year.

Former Galway manager Shefflin was appointed as U20 manager for this past season. Dowling has been the Kildare senior boss the past three seasons.