Hubbry Logo
Derek LyngDerek LyngMain
Open search
Derek Lyng
Community hub
Derek Lyng
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Derek Lyng
Derek Lyng
Derek Lyng
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Derek Thomas Lyng (born 4 July 1978) is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He has been manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team since 2022.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Waterford Institute of Technology

[edit]

As a student at the Waterford Institute of Technology, Lyng joined the senior hurling team during his second year but found it difficult to break onto the starting fifteen. On 28 February 1999, he won a Fitzgibbon Cup medal after coming on as a substitute in the 4–15 to 3–12 defeat of University College Cork in the final.

Emeralds

[edit]

Lyng joined the Emeralds club in Urlingford at a young age and played in all grades at juvenile and underage levels. He enjoyed championship success in the minor grade before eventually joining the club's top adult team in the Kilkenny Junior Championship.[1]

On 31 October 1999, Lyng was selected at right wing-back when Emeralds qualified to play Carrickshock in the Kilkenny Junior Championship final. He ended the game on the losing side after a 1–06 to 0–08 defeat.

On 7 October 2001, Lyng lined out at midfield when Emeralds qualified for a second Kilkenny Junior Championship final in two seasons. He ended the game with a winners' medal following the 3–11 to 1–11 defeat of Windgap.

After more than a decade in the Kilkenny Intermediate Championship, Emeralds qualified for the final on 20 October 2013. Lyng was selected at right wing-forward and was held scoreless in the 2–12 to 2–11 defeat by Rower-Inistioge.[2]

Kilkenny

[edit]

Under-21

[edit]

Having never played at minor level, Lyng first lined out for Kilkenny as a member of the under-21 team during the 1999 Leinster Championship. On 17 July 1999, he was an unused substitute when Kilkenny defeated Offaly by 1–17 to 1–06 to win the Leinster Championship.[3] On 19 September 1999, Lyng won an All-Ireland medal as an unused substitute following Kilkenny's 1–13 to 0–14 defeat of Galway in the final.

Intermediate

[edit]

Lyng was drafted onto the Kilkenny intermediate team in advance of the 1999 Leinster Championship. On 17 July 1999, he won a Leinster Championship medal following Kilkenny's 2–15 to 0–09 defeat of Laois in the final. On 25 September 1999, Lyng lined out at right wing-back when Kilkenny faced Galway in the All-Ireland final. He ended the game on the losing side after a 3–13 to 2–10 defeat.

Senior

[edit]

Lyng joined the Kilkenny senior team prior to the start of the 2001 National League. He made his first appearance for the team on 11 February 2001 when he came on as a substitute for Peter Barry at left wing-back in a 3–16 to 0–11 defeat of Laois. Lyng made his Leinster Championship debut on 10 June 2001 when he again came on as a substitute for Peter Barry in a 3–21 to 0–18 defeat of Offaly in the semi-final.[4] On 8 July 2001, he won a Leinster Championship medal as an unused substitute in Kilkenny's 2–19 to 0–12 defeat of Wexford.[5]

On 5 May 2002, Lyng lined out at midfield when Kilkenny faced Cork in the National League final. He scored a point from play and collected a winners' medal following the 2–15 to 2–14 victory.[6] Lyng was again at midfield when Kilkenny faced Wexford in the Leinster final on 7 July 2002. He scored two points from play and won a second successive Leinster Championship - his first on the field of play - after a 0–19 to 0–17 victory.[7] On 8 September 2002, Lyng lined out at midfield when Kilkenny qualified to play Clare in the All-Ireland final. He ended the game with a first All-Ireland medal following the 2–20 to 0–19 victory. Lyng ended the season by winning a first All-Star award.[8]

On 5 May 2003, Lyng won a second successive National League medal after lining out at midfield in Kilkenny's 5–14 to 5–13 defeat of Tipperary in the final.[9] On 6 July 2003, he won his third consecutive Leinster Championship medal after scoring three points from play in the 2–23 to 2–12 defeat of Wexford in the final.[10] On 7 September 2003, Lyng again lined out at midfield when Kilkenny faced Cork in the All-Ireland final. He scored a point from play and collected a second successive winners' medal following the 1–14 to 1–11 victory.[11] Lyng ended the season by winning a second All-Star award.[12]

On 12 September 2004, Lyng made his third successive All-Ireland final appearance when he lined out at midfield against Cork. He scored a point from play, however, Kilkenny suffered a 0–17 to 0–09 defeat.[13]

On 2 May 2005, Lyng won a third National League medal after scoring a point from midfield in Kilkenny's 3–20 to 0–15 defeat of Clare in the final.[14] On 7 July 2005, he won a fourth Leinster Championship medal following Kilkenny's 0–22 to 1–16 defeat of Wexford in the final.[15]

On 30 April 2006, Lyng won his fourth National League medal after lining out at midfield in Kilkenny's 3–11 to 0–14 victory over Limerick.[16] He won a fifth Leinster Championship medal on 2 July 2006 after scoring a point in a 1–23 to 1–12 defeat of Wexford in the final. On 3 September 2006, Lyng was again at midfield when Kilkenny qualified to play Cork in the All-Ireland final. He scored a point from play and claimed his third winners' medal after the 1–16 to 1–13 victory.[17]

On 29 April 2007, lined out in his fifth National League final. He scored a point from midfield in the 0–20 to 0–18 defeat by Waterford.[18] Lyng was sidelined due to a groin injury when Kilkenny faced Wexford in the Leinster final on 1 July 2007.[19] In spite of this, he claimed a sixth winners' medal as a non-playing substitute following the 2–24 to 1–12 victory.[20] On 2 September 2007, Lyng was back on the starting fifteen and lined out at midfield in the All-Ireland final against Limerick. He ended the game with a fourth All-Ireland medal following the 2–19 to 1–15 victory.[21]

On 6 July 2008, Lyng won a seventh Leinster Championship medal after scoring a point from midfield in the 5–21 to 0–17 defeat of Wexford.[22] On 8 September 2008, he was again at midfield when Kilkenny faced Waterford in a first All-Ireland final since 1963. Lyng scored three points from play and claimed a fifth All-Ireland medal following a 3–30 to 1–13 victory.[23]

Lyng collected a fifth National League medal on 3 May 2009 when he lined out as a substitute in Kilkenny's 2–26 to 4-17 extra-time defeat of Tipperary in the final.[24] On 5 July 2009, he was back on the starting fifteen in his usual position of midfield when Kilkenny faced Dublin in the Leinster final. Lyng ended the game with an eighth winners' medal following the 2–18 to 0–18 victory.[25] He retained his position at midfield when Kilkenny faced Tipperary in the All-Ireland final on 6 September 2009. Lyng collected his sixth All-Ireland medal as Kilkenny became only the second team ever to win four All-Ireland titles in-a-row following the 2–22 to 0–23 victory.[26]

Lyng failed to command a place on the starting fifteen during the 2010 Leinster Championship. In spite of this he won a ninth Leinster Championship medal as an unused substitute on 4 July 2010 following Kilkenny's 1–19 to 1–12 defeat of Galway.[27] On 5 September 2010, he was selected on the substitutes' bench when Kilkenny faced Tipperary in the All-Ireland final. Lyng was introduced as a substitute for Cha Fitzpatrick at midfield and scored a point in the 4–17 to 1–18 defeat.[28]

Lyng announced his retirement from inter-county hurling on 1 December 2010.[29] In a statement he said: "There is never an ideal time to do something like this, but the time is right for me now. I had a great innings. I played with and against some of the greatest hurlers who ever lived and I picked up a few honours along the way."[30]

Leinster

[edit]

Lyng was first selected for the Leinster inter-provincial team during the 2002 Railway Cup. He made his first appearance for the team on 2 November 2002 when he scored a point from midfield in Leinster's 3–18 to 2–13 defeat of Connacht. On 3 November 2002, Lyng won a Railway Cup medal after scoring a point from midfield in the 4–15 to 3–17 defeat of Munster in the final.[31]

After being selected for the team again in 2003, Lyng lined out in a second successive Railway Cup final on 8 November 2003. He scored a point from midfield and collected a second successive winners' medal following the 4–09 to 2–12 defeat of Connacht.[32]

On 28 October 2006, Lyng was at midfield when he lined out in his third Railway Cup final. He was held scoreless throughout the game but collected a third winners' medal following the 1–23 to 0–17 defeat of Connacht.[33]

Ireland

[edit]

Lyng was selected for Ireland team for the Shinty–Hurling International Series in 2008. He made his only appearance for the team on 18 October 2008 when Ireland suffered a 1–10 to 1–09 defeat to Scotland.[34]

Coaching career

[edit]

Leinster

[edit]

Lyng joined Johnny Dooley's management team with Leinster in advance of the 2012 Railway Cup.[35] On 4 March 2012, he was on the sideline when Leinster defeated Connacht by 2–19 to 1–15 to win the Railway Cup.[36]

Kilkenny

[edit]

Senior

[edit]

On 9 December 2013, Lyng was appointed as a selector with the Kilkenny senior team under Brian Cody.[37] He captured his first silverware as a selector on 4 May 2014 when Kilkenny defeated Tipperary by 2–25 to 1–27 to win the National League title.[38] On 6 July 2014, Lyng was on the sideline when Kilkenny won the Leinster Championship following a 0–24 to 1–09 defeat of Dublin in the Leinster final.[39] Following a 3–22 to 1–28 draw with Tipperary in the All-Ireland final on 7 September 2014, Lyng's side went on to win the title after a 2–17 to 2–14 victory in the replay on 27 September 2014.[40][41]

Lyng won a second successive Leinster Championship as a selector on 5 July 2015 following Kilkenny's 1–25 to 2–15 defeat of Galway in the final.[42] On 6 September 2015, he was again on the sideline for the All-Ireland final against Galway. Lyng ended the game with a second All-Ireland title as a selector following the 1–22 to 1–18 victory.[43]

Lyng helped guide Kilkennny to a third successive Leinster Championship on 3 July 2016 following a 1–26 to 0–22 defeat of Galway in the final.[44] On 4 September 2016, he saw his side suffer a 2–29 to 2–20 defeat by Tipperary in the All-Ireland final.[45]

On 8 April 2018, Lyng secured his second National League title as a selector following Kilkenny's 2–23 to 2–17 defeat of Tipperary in the final.[46] His side failed to retain the Leinster Championship for the fourth successive year following a 1–28 to 3–15 defeat by Galway in a final replay.[47][48]

On 30 June 2019, Lyng was on the sideline when Kilkenny suffered a 1–23 to 0–23 defeat by Wexford in the Leinster final.[49]

On 4 August 2022, Lyng was appointed manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team.[50]

David Herity endorsed Lyng's appointment as Brian Cody's successor, telling Off the Ball AM that Lyng would be a different type of manager: "Derek would be nothing like Brian... Derek was always seen as one of the lads in the dressing room Brian approached before a match and gave a dig to and said, 'right get these lads going'. He was that kind of lad, along with a Noel Hickey or Henry [Shefflin]. He would have ticked a few boxes in what Brian Cody would look for in a player and leader. When Derek came in [as a selector], he was slightly the yin to the yang. James McGarry and Brian Cody would be similar enough in personality, stand-offish. They wouldn't show a massive amount of emotion or talk to players in that sense. Derek Lyng would've been the more friendly type".[51]

Under-20

[edit]

After stepping down as a selector with the Kilkenny senior team, Lyng was ratified as D. J. Carey's successor as manager of the Kilkenny under-20 hurling team on 14 October 2019.[52]

Lyng got his team off to a great start in 2022 winning the Leinster Under 20 Championship over Wexford by one point.[53] Lyng, followed this with All Ireland success as Kilkenny won the Under 20 Championship with a win over Limerick for the first time since 2008.[54]

Senior

[edit]

On 4 August 2022, Lyng stepped down as under-20 manager as he returned to the Kilkenny senior team as manager.[55]

Career statistics

[edit]
Team Year National League Leinster All-Ireland Total
Division Apps Score Apps Score Apps Score Apps Score
Kilkenny 2001 Division 1B 5 0-01 1 0-00 0 0-00 6 0-01
2002 Division 1A 7 0-04 2 0-03 2 0-03 11 0-10
2003 7 0-05 2 0-03 2 0-03 11 0-11
2004 8 0-01 1 0-00 6 0-03 15 0-04
2005 Division 1 5 0-08 2 0-02 2 0-01 9 0-11
2006 6 0-03 2 0-02 3 0-03 11 0-08
2007 8 1-10 1 0-01 3 0-02 12 1-13
2008 1 0-00 1 0-01 2 0-04 4 0-05
2009 0 0-00 2 0-03 2 0-01 4 0-04
2010 3 0-02 1 0-00 2 0-01 6 0-03
Career total 50 1-34 15 0-15 24 0-21 89 1-70

Honours

[edit]

As a player

[edit]
Emeralds
Kilkenny
Leinster
Awards

As a manager

[edit]
Kilkenny

As a selector

[edit]
Kilkenny
Leinster

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Derek Lyng

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Derek Lyng (born 4 July 1978) is an Irish hurling manager and former player from Urlingford, . He currently serves as the manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team, a position he has held since August 2022 following the retirement of . As a player, Lyng was a key for Kilkenny from 2001 to 2010, during which he secured six All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships (2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), nine Leinster Senior Hurling Championships, and five National Hurling Leagues. He also earned two All-Star awards in 2002 and 2003 for his performances. Lyng began his club hurling career with Emeralds in Urlingford. His inter-county debut came in 2001 as a substitute in the against Laois, marking the start of a decade-long tenure under manager . Known for his tactical acumen and leadership on the field, Lyng retired in December 2010 after a hip injury, following Kilkenny's final loss to Tipperary. Transitioning to coaching, Lyng joined Cody's backroom team as a selector in 2014, contributing to victories in 2014 and 2015. He later managed the Kilkenny under-20 team from 2020 to 2022, leading them to an title in 2022. As senior manager, Lyng guided Kilkenny to the 2023 final, though they fell short against Limerick; his tenure has seen continued competitiveness, including a title in 2025, and was extended for two more years in September 2025.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Derek Lyng was born on 4 July 1978 in Urlingford, , a small town steeped in (GAA) tradition. His family hails from the heart of the Emeralds GAA club area in Urlingford, where local hurling culture permeates daily life. Lyng's parents, John and Anne, were actively involved in the community, with his father John serving as an underage coach and owning the local shop, which often became a hub for GAA discussions. He grew up alongside his sisters, Kay and Tara, in an environment where family ties to the GAA were strong, fostering a deep-rooted passion for the sport from an early age. Lyng's initial encounters with hurling came through informal games in the local club and school settings around Urlingford, where the Emeralds club provided the primary outlet for young players. These early experiences immersed him in the rhythms of parish hurling, blending play with the communal spirit of Kilkenny's hurling heartland. His first vivid recollections of the game extended beyond playing fields to spectating, particularly the intense Kilkenny-Tipperary that defined much of his childhood, given Urlingford's proximity to the county border. A pivotal moment in Lyng's formative years occurred at age 13, when he attended the 1991 hurling final in , witnessing Kilkenny's narrow defeat to Tipperary from the Hogan Stand. This match, marked by Tipperary's winning goal, crystallized the rivalry's emotional stakes for him and reinforced hurling's central role in his upbringing. The border town's dual loyalties amplified these influences, shaping Lyng's early worldview around the fierce competition between the neighboring counties.

Schooling and college

Derek Lyng completed his secondary education at in Kilkenny, a prominent hurling institution, where he was unable to secure a place on the college's senior hurling team despite the school's reputation for producing top talents. This early setback underscored his development as a in the sport, with no notable school-level hurling achievements recorded during his time there. Lyng then pursued third-level education at the (WIT), enrolling in the late 1990s. At WIT, he initially struggled to break into the college's squad, the premier inter-collegiate hurling competition, but persisted and earned a substitute appearance in his final year. This limited involvement highlighted the team dynamics at WIT, where competition for places was intense among a mix of regional talents, yet it provided Lyng with valuable exposure to higher-level play. Balancing his studies with hurling demands honed his discipline, and his emerging performances during this period drew initial interest from Kilkenny county selectors, setting the stage for his senior breakthrough in 2001.

Club career

Emeralds

Derek Lyng joined the Emeralds club in Urlingford at a young age, beginning his involvement in juvenile hurling and progressing through the underage ranks. Lyng made his senior debut for Emeralds in the early , lining out in the Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship. Emeralds won the Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship in 2001, their first title since 1947, which elevated the team to intermediate status. Throughout the , Lyng's performances in club championships were pivotal, with his physicality and work rate in midfield driving key wins and establishing him as a cornerstone player for the Urlingford side. Emeralds competed primarily in the intermediate grade during Lyng's senior career, where he continued to deliver influential displays despite the demands of his inter-county commitments. In his final season, the club reached the Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship final on 20 October 2013, losing to Rower-Inistioge, with Lyng featuring prominently before a persistent hip injury forced his retirement from club hurling later that year.

Waterford Institute of Technology

During his studies at the in the late , Derek Lyng joined the college's senior hurling team as a fresher, initially featuring for the freshers side rather than the top panel. In his debut season, he served as a substitute in the freshers final, marking his introduction to competitive third-level hurling despite not breaking into the senior squad. By his second year, Lyng earned a place on the provisional Fitzgibbon Cup panel, reflecting his growing integration into the team's structure as a utility player capable of contributing from the bench. He made his final appearance as a substitute in 1999, helping Waterford IT secure the title with a 4-15 to 3-12 victory over in a high-scoring encounter at . The following year, Lyng remained part of the squad that defended the crown successfully against , showcasing his reliability in key knockout matches and contributing to back-to-back triumphs that elevated the institute's status in higher education hurling. Under the guidance of college mentors, Lyng developed his all-around game, transitioning from a peripheral role to a more consistent contributor, which built his tactical awareness and physical conditioning essential for higher-level demands. This period at Waterford IT provided a platform for skill refinement through intense competition, preparing him for elevated challenges beyond the third-level scene. Upon completing his studies around the early , Lyng phased out of college hurling to concentrate on his commitments with Emeralds GAA club.

Inter-county playing career

Kilkenny under-21 and intermediate

Derek Lyng bypassed the minor grade and made his inter-county debut with the Kilkenny under-21 hurling team during the 1999 . He was part of the panel that secured the Under-21 Hurling title before advancing to the series, where Kilkenny defeated Galway by 1-13 to 0-14 in the final at on 19 September 1999. Although Lyng remained an unused substitute in the decider, his inclusion on the squad marked an early step in his development within the Kilkenny setup. In addition to his under-21 involvement, Lyng featured for the Kilkenny intermediate hurling team in 1999, contributing to their run to the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship final, which they lost to Galway. He continued with the intermediate side into 2000, playing a prominent role in Kilkenny's victory in the Intermediate Hurling Championship final against Wexford on 29 July 2000, winning by 2-12 to 1-13 at . This success highlighted his growing reliability at midfield and helped solidify his reputation as a late-blooming talent. Lyng's experiences in these formative grades sharpened his physicality and tactical awareness, qualities that propelled his transition to team in 2001 after strong showings in intermediate competition. His club performances with Emeralds also influenced his early selections, providing a platform to showcase his potential.

Kilkenny senior

Lyng joined the Kilkenny senior hurling panel in 2001 under manager . He made his championship debut on 10 June 2001 as a substitute for Peter Barry at left wing-back in a quarter-final win over Laois by 3–14 to 1–12. Later that year, he remained an unused substitute in Kilkenny's final victory over Wexford. Establishing himself as a key midfielder, Lyng became a cornerstone of Kilkenny's dominant era. He won his first All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (SHC) medal in 2002 following a 2–20 to 0–19 defeat of Clare in the final. Lyng collected further All-Ireland medals in 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, contributing to Kilkenny's record-equalling four-in-a-row from 2006 to 2009. His performances earned him All-Star awards in 2002 and 2003. Over his decade-long senior career, Lyng also secured nine Leinster SHC titles and five National Hurling League medals. Lyng's tactical intelligence and physicality were pivotal in midfield battles, often partnering with players like James Ryall. A hip injury increasingly hampered him in later years, particularly during the 2010 season. After Kilkenny's All-Ireland final loss to Tipperary on 5 September 2010 (1–18 to 0–17), Lyng announced his retirement from inter-county hurling on 1 December 2010.

Derek Lyng was selected for the inter-provincial hurling team during the 2000s, with his involvement centered on the Railway Cup competitions. Playing primarily at midfield, Lyng contributed to 's successes in matches against , , and , helping to secure four Railway Cup titles during his tenure. His role emphasized physicality and tactical positioning, allowing to control the engine room and support forward lines in high-stakes inter-provincial encounters. These Railway Cup appearances, including victories in 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2008, provided Lyng with valuable additional competitive experience that complemented his demanding commitments with the Kilkenny senior team by offering off-season matches against top provincial opposition. This representative duty enhanced his overall game sharpness without overlapping his county schedule.

Ireland

Derek Lyng represented in the Shinty–Hurling International Series, a biennial competition against that began in the late and adopted composite rules in the to blend elements of hurling and shinty. He was selected for the senior squad in 2008 under manager Lester Ryan, joining fellow All-Ireland champions Tommy Walsh and Eddie Brennan from Kilkenny in a 19-man panel drawn from various counties. This marked his entry into international hurling representation beyond domestic inter-county play. Lyng made his sole appearance for on 18 October 2008 at in Kilkenny, lining out in midfield during the senior men's fixture against . In a tightly contested match attended by around 1,000 spectators, led at stages, with Lyng contributing 0-03 points to help his side reach 1-09; however, secured a narrow 1-10 victory thanks to a 50th-minute goal by John Stewart and strong performances from Hector Whitelaw (0-06). Lyng's scores, including efforts that leveled and edged ahead midway through the first half, highlighted his influence in the midfield battle despite the defeat, which extended 's winning streak to four series titles. The hybrid rules of the series present unique challenges for Irish hurlers, prohibiting hand-to-ball contact for outfield players and favoring ground-based skills over the aerial play prevalent in modern Gaelic hurling. This adaptation requires players like Lyng, accustomed to Kilkenny's high-tempo, overhead-dominant style, to emphasize stick-to-ball control and positional play akin to older hurling traditions, testing their versatility in a format that levels the playing field with shinty's more linear, field-hockey-like approach. Despite these demands, the series fosters cultural exchange between the Gaelic sports, with and alternating home legs in a format that scores goals at three points and overhead points at one.

Coaching and management career

Selector roles

Derek Lyng began his coaching career in a selector role with the inter-provincial hurling team in 2012, assisting manager Joe Dooley. In that campaign, won the , defeating in the final. This marked Lyng's initial foray into inter-provincial management during the early 2010s. In 2014, Lyng was appointed as a selector for the Kilkenny senior hurling team under manager , replacing Martin Fogarty. He served in this position for six seasons until 2019, forming part of a backroom team that included James McGarry. During his tenure, Kilkenny secured titles in 2014 and 2015, with Lyng contributing to the team's successes in those campaigns. His responsibilities encompassed player development, tactical planning, and overall backroom operations, allowing him to gain invaluable experience under Cody's leadership. Lyng's background as a six-time winning player with Kilkenny informed his advisory role in selection and strategy. Lyng stepped down from the Kilkenny senior selector position after the season to pursue other coaching opportunities. This decision positioned him for further development in hurling management.

Kilkenny under-20

Following his departure from the Kilkenny senior team's backroom staff after the season, Derek Lyng was appointed manager of the Kilkenny under-20 hurling team ahead of the 2020 campaign. His initial years in the role were marked by steady progress amid challenging conditions, including the disruptions caused by the . In 2020, the team reached the under-20 semi-final but fell short against Galway by 1-11 to 0-19. The following year, 2021, saw another Leinster semi-final appearance, where Kilkenny lost to Galway by 1-13 to 1-18, highlighting areas for improvement in consistency. Lyng's tenure culminated in 2022 with significant success, as the team secured both the under-20 title and the crown. In the provincial final, Kilkenny overcame Wexford 1-13 to 0-15 in a tense encounter at Netwatch Cullen Park. They then claimed the national title with a dramatic 0-19 to 0-18 victory over Limerick in the final at on 22 May, marking Kilkenny's first under-20 success since the grade's introduction and their 12th overall at the under-21/under-20 level. This triumph ended a 14-year wait for underage glory at the grade and was achieved through a gritty performance, with the team trailing at halftime but mounting a strong comeback. Lyng's coaching philosophy centered on building resilience and in young players, fostering a mindset of relentless effort and recovery from setbacks to prepare them for senior-level demands. He emphasized youth development as a pathway to the Kilkenny senior team, prioritizing skill refinement and competitive experience to ease the transition for emerging talents. Notable players under his guidance included captain Pádraic Moylan, who led the 2022 squad, and forward Billy Drennan, who starred in the final with a masterful display of accurate scoring (0-8, including frees). Several from this group, such as Drennan, have since progressed to the senior panel, embodying Lyng's focus on long-term growth. In terms of team strategies, Lyng implemented a patient, possession-based approach that involved working the ball methodically into scoring positions while maintaining high intensity to counter opposition pressure. This was evident in the campaign, where the team demonstrated composure under duress, repeatedly fighting back from deficits through disciplined play and strong collective defense. Lyng stepped down from the role in August upon taking over as Kilkenny senior manager.

Kilkenny senior

Derek Lyng was ratified as manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team on 4 August 2022, succeeding after a three-year term as an initial appointment. His tenure began with the 2023 season, marking a transitional period following Cody's long reign, during which Lyng emphasized maintaining high standards and adapting to evolving player dynamics. In 2023, Lyng guided Kilkenny to their 75th (SHC) title with a narrow victory over Galway, secured by a late goal from Cillian Buckley, before reaching the final where they suffered a defeat to Limerick. The campaign saw mixed results, including a strong performance in Division 1, but the focus remained on championship success amid challenges like integrating younger players post-retirements. The 2024 season brought continued provincial dominance, as Kilkenny claimed their 76th SHC crown under Lyng, though they exited the series with a semi-final loss to Clare. League performances highlighted resilience, with notable wins such as a Division 1 victory over Waterford, underscoring Lyng's emphasis on work rate and character despite occasional lapses in concentration. Lyng's third year in 2025 saw Kilkenny secure their 77th Leinster title with a 3-22 to 1-20 win over Galway in a "cagey" final, before losing to Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final by 0-30 to 4-20. The league started positively with a 0-23 to 0-21 triumph over Clare, reflecting ongoing efforts to build depth amid transitions from veteran players. On 1 September 2025, the Kilkenny County Board ratified Lyng for an additional two-year term covering 2026 and 2027, extending his leadership as the team seeks to end a decade-long drought since 2015. This decision came amid three consecutive triumphs but persistent championship setbacks at the national level. To bolster the setup, Lyng added high-profile figures to his backroom team for 2026, including former teammate and eight-time winner Eddie Brennan as a selector, alongside Corcoran, a former Wexford and Laois coach. These changes aim to inject fresh expertise and address tactical challenges. Lyng's management style prioritizes relentless work ethic over stylistic debates, focusing on execution and player development in a high-pressure environment. Key hurdles include managing retirements and integrating emerging talent, with the future outlook centered on leveraging provincial consistency to reclaim glory. His prior success with the Kilkenny under-20 team has informed this approach, providing a foundation for senior-level transitions.

Personal life

Family

Derek Lyng is married to Evelyn, with whom he has three children. His children include daughter Ruth, born in 2010, son Jack, born in 2011, and son Conal; the third child's birth details remain private. In 2010, shortly after Ruth's birth, Lyng and Evelyn were expecting their second child, highlighting the growing family during his playing career. Lyng's family has provided consistent support throughout his post-playing involvement in hurling. Evelyn and the children attended the 2020 Dancing with the Stars final to cheer for former Kilkenny hurler Aidan Fogarty, demonstrating their engagement with GAA-related events. This presence underscores the role of family in sustaining his commitment to the sport. Family considerations have notably influenced Lyng's career transitions. His 2010 retirement from inter-county hurling was partly motivated by a desire to spend more time with Evelyn and young Ruth, amid an impending second child and recovery from injury. Later, in 2022, the demands of his busy family life with three children initially made the Kilkenny senior manager position seem unfeasible alongside his day job, though he ultimately accepted the role and manages it on a week-to-week basis.

Occupation

Derek Lyng has built a professional career in , account , and leadership development, distinct from his extensive involvement in . Following his from inter-county hurling in 2010, he took on the role of hospital accounts manager in the , traveling across and to manage client relationships and accounts for companies including GlaxoSmithKline. By 2018, he advanced to Senior Account Lead at Takeda, focusing on strategic account and performance optimization in healthcare over nearly four years. In recent years, Lyng has shifted toward leadership training and sales education. He served as an Applied Performance Specialist Manager, emphasizing team development and high-performance strategies in professional settings. Since August 2024, he has worked as a Client Partner at PDI Leaders Academy, delivering coaching and development programs. In June 2025, Lyng was appointed Head of Sales Academy at Fintua, a Kilkenny-based global firm formerly known as Taxback International, where he leads initiatives to nurture sales professionals through targeted training and career progression pathways. Lyng maintains a rigorous balance between his demanding career and GAA coaching responsibilities, structuring his schedule around weekly team preparations and leveraging disciplined time management to fulfill both. His family offers essential support in navigating these dual commitments, enabling him to sustain high performance across spheres.

Honours

As a player

Lyng enjoyed a distinguished inter-county career with Kilkenny from 2001 to 2010, during which he contributed to one of the most dominant periods in hurling history, securing multiple provincial, national, and league titles as a key . His senior medal collection stands at six, earned in the years 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, highlighting his role in Kilkenny's back-to-back triumphs and subsequent four-in-a-row success. These victories underscored Kilkenny's supremacy, with Lyng often pivotal in midfield battles that controlled the game's tempo. Lyng also claimed nine Leinster Senior Hurling Championship medals in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, forming the foundation for Kilkenny's campaigns and demonstrating consistent provincial dominance. In the , he secured five titles, contributing to Kilkenny's league successes that bolstered team cohesion ahead of championship seasons. Individual recognition came in the form of two awards in 2002 and 2003, acknowledging his exceptional midfield performances during Kilkenny's early 2000s resurgence. Earlier in his career, Lyng won an All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship in 1999, along with a Under-21 title that year, and a Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship medal in 1999, marking his rapid rise through the ranks. At club level with Emeralds (Urlingford), Lyng helped secure a Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship in 2001, as well as minor and intermediate roinn honours, though the club did not achieve senior success during his playing tenure. On the inter-provincial stage, Lyng lined out for in the Railway Cup, winning four medals, including one in 2002 where he scored a point in the final victory over .

As a manager

As manager of the Kilkenny under-20 hurling team from 2020 to 2022, Derek Lyng led the side to and success in 2022, ending a 14-year provincial drought. The team secured the under-20 title with a narrow 2-18 to 2-17 victory over Wexford in the final at UPMC , where Billy Drennan contributed 0-7 points, including seven frees. This triumph qualified Kilkenny for the series, culminating in a 0-19 to 0-18 win against Limerick in the final at , marking the county's first title at the grade since 2008. Lyng's tenure with the Kilkenny senior hurling team began in 2022, with the side achieving three consecutive senior hurling championships from 2023 to 2025 but falling short in pursuits. In 2023, Kilkenny claimed the provincial crown with a 1-23 to 0-23 extra-time victory over Galway in the final at , secured by a late goal from Cillian Buckley, bringing the county's total to 75 titles. The following year, a dominant 3-28 to 1-18 defeat of in the 2024 final extended the streak to 76 titles and advanced the team to the semi-finals. In 2025, Lyng's charges completed the three-in-a-row with a 3-22 to 1-20 win over Galway in the final, earning the 77th title and a semi-final berth, though they exited the series later that season. During his senior management, Kilkenny reached the 2023 National Hurling League Division 1 final but lost to Limerick, marking Lyng's first national silverware pursuit at that level without a victory. No other senior inter-county managerial roles have been recorded for Lyng beyond his Kilkenny appointments.

As a selector

Derek Lyng served as a selector on Cody's management team for the Kilkenny senior hurling squad from 2014 to 2019, contributing to a period of sustained provincial dominance and national success. In his debut season, Lyng was part of the backroom staff that guided Kilkenny to the 2014 title, defeating 0-24 to 1-09 in the final at . This victory marked Kilkenny's 70th Leinster crown and provided a platform for their campaign. Lyng's input focused on team selection and tactical analysis, drawing from his midfield experience to advocate for flexible positioning rather than rigid roles, which helped integrate emerging talents alongside established players. The following year, , saw Lyng's contributions extend to Kilkenny's and triumphs, with the team overcoming Galway 1-25 to 2-15 in the provincial decider before clinching the title against the same opponents in a 1-18 to 1-16 final victory. His role involved post-match evaluations to refine selections, including tough calls on player rotations that maintained squad depth during a grueling schedule. These successes underscored Lyng's emphasis on work rate and adaptability, core tenets he had embodied as a player under Cody. By 2016, Kilkenny secured another title under the management team, beating Galway 1-26 to 2-18 in the final, though they fell short in the semi-final; Lyng's analytical approach continued to support Cody in fostering a relentless team ethic. Throughout his tenure, Lyng's selector duties emphasized collective decision-making, avoiding echo chambers by offering candid perspectives based on his playing insights, which proved instrumental in navigating high-stakes games. While Kilkenny did not add further titles after 2015, the three consecutive wins from 2014 to 2016 highlighted the stability of Cody's setup, with Lyng playing a key part in sustaining competitive edge amid rising challenges from rivals like Galway. No specific inter-provincial Railway Cup successes are recorded for during Lyng's primary Kilkenny involvement, though his earlier 2012 selector role for had contributed to a win that year. This experience as a selector paved the way for Lyng's later transition to head roles.

References

  1. https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/kilkenny-manager-derek-lyng-family-30532595
  2. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/derek-lyng-confirmed-as-new-kilkenny-hurling-manager/41890721.html
  3. https://www.gaa.ie/hurling/news/apt-pupil-derek-lyng-s-journey-to-best-in-class
  4. https://www.thesun.ie/sport/11070756/derek-lyng-kilkenny-ireland-final-limerick/
  5. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2025/09/02/derek-lyng-gets-new-term-in-kilkenny-while-padraic-joyce-stays-on-in-galway/
  6. https://alchetron.com/Derek-Lyng
  7. https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/gaelic-games/52976/To-Derek---thanks-for.html
  8. https://www.the42.ie/derek-lyng-kilkenny-6125353-Jul2023/
  9. https://www.thesun.ie/sport/15476348/kilkenny-derek-lyng-tipperary-shc-semi-final/
  10. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/kilkenny-tipp-rivalry-has-shaped-derek-lyngs-career-but-a-cats-win-is-all-that-counts-now/a1861607099.html
  11. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41662280.html
  12. https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/hurling-news/the-fact-were-playing-tipperary-35489163
  13. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/lyng-enjoying-life-on-the-other-side-with-kilkenny/30494934.html
  14. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/lyng-the-driving-force-plucked-from-obscurity/25971403.html
  15. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/derek-lyng-the-physical-relentless-and-selfless-player-who-embodied-the-brian-cody-way-of-success/42337439.html
  16. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/dogged-lyng-is-primed-to-drag-cats-back-to-hurlings-top-table/42338365.html
  17. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-20163378.html
  18. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/derek-lyng-kilkenny-hurler/26211063.html
  19. https://kilkennygaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1999.pdf
  20. http://leinstergaa.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2017/11/Leinster-Resuts-Achieve-Update.pdf
  21. https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/hurling-news/new-kilkenny-boss-derek-lyng-27669294
  22. https://kilkennygaa.ie/2010/12/derek-lyng-retires/
  23. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-30483944.html
  24. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40933625.html
  25. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/lyng-calls-time-on-kilkenny-career/26704713.html
  26. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-30381620.html
  27. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-30382528.html
  28. https://www.hoganstand.com/article/index/102555
  29. https://www.sportsjoe.ie/gaa/neil-mcmanus-shinty-ireland-scotland-294031
  30. https://www.gaa.ie/article/irish-captain-morrissey-relishing-unique-challenge-of-hurling-shinty-international
  31. https://www.shinty.com/mowi-shinty-hurling-international-returns-to-scotland/
  32. https://www.the42.ie/brian-cody-contenders-1658583923-5824333-Jul2022/
  33. https://www.gaa.ie/hurling/news/derek-lyng-ratified-as-new-kilkenny-hurling-manager
  34. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2022/08/04/derek-lyng-appointed-new-manager-of-kilkenny-hurling-team/
  35. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40925567.html
  36. https://hoganstand.com/Kilkenny/article/index/304570
  37. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2021/0720/1236285-galway-withstand-kilkenny-rally-to-reach-leinster-final/
  38. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2022/0509/1297051-kilkenny-hold-nerve-to-secure-u20-leinster-title/
  39. https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/62428764
  40. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40878386.html
  41. https://www.the42.ie/kilkenny-limerick-all-ireland-u20-hurling-5769944-May2022/
  42. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41663822.html
  43. https://www.thetimes.com/sport/gaa/article/derek-lyng-the-important-thing-was-that-kilkenny-didnt-drop-standards-9rp32pt8b
  44. https://kilkennygaa.ie/2023/06/2023-leinster-senior-hurling-champions/
  45. https://www.gaa.ie/hurling/allianz-hurling-league-roinn-1/waterford-kilkenny/2641235
  46. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2025/0316/1502374-lyng-accentuates-kilkenny-work-rate-and-character/
  47. https://kilkennygaa.ie/2025/06/2025-leinster-senior-hurling-champions/
  48. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2025/0706/1522116-all-ireland-shc-semi-final-kilkenny-tipperary-updates/
  49. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2025/0608/1517374-lyng-happy-to-win-cagey-leinster-and-move-into-semis/
  50. https://munster.gaa.ie/event/2025-allianz-hurling-league-division-1a-clare-v-kilkenny/
  51. https://kilkennygaa.ie/2025/09/kilkenny-senior-hurling-manager-ratified-statement-from-kilkenny-county-board/
  52. https://www.beat102103.com/sport/brennan-joins-kilkenny-backroom-team-as-lyngs-ratified-for-two-more-years-2191330
  53. https://kclr96fm.com/reports-eddie-brennan-to-join-derek-lyngs-kilkenny-backroom-team/
  54. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2023/0204/1353840-lyng-not-caught-up-in-cats-style-of-play-debate/
  55. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/derek-lyng-to-remain-in-charge-of-senior-hurlers-as-kilkenny-eye-an-end-to-all-ireland-famine/a1191863820.html
  56. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-20138177.html
  57. https://www.rsvplive.ie/news/celebs/kilkenny-manager-derek-lyng-wife-30498331
  58. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=121469139387961&id=104102197791322&set=a.104301037771438
  59. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41066978.html
  60. https://ie.linkedin.com/in/derek-lyng-6b172b94
  61. https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/business/1822812/kilkenny-boss-derek-lyng-to-head-up-new-sales-academy-at-fintua-formerly-taxback-international.html
  62. https://www.rte.ie/sport/hurling/2010/1201/273731-lyngd/
  63. https://kilkennygaa.ie/2022/05/kilkenny-are-the-all-ireland-u20-champions/
  64. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40869050.html
  65. https://kilkennygaa.ie/2024/06/2024-leinster-senior-hurling-champions/
  66. https://www.gaa.ie/article/derek-lyng-this-performance-has-been-coming
  67. https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/65493273
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.