Derek Lyng has been confirmed as Brian Cody's replacement as the manager of the Kilkenny hurlers, after the Kilkenny County Board released the following statement,
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.
The former Kilkenny midfielder is an intriguing successor to Cody. Not only did he serve as a selector for Cody from 2014-2019, Lyng also steered the Cats to their first-ever U20 Ireland last May. With silverware at an age grade that frequently trips up Kilkenny, Lyng has proven he can get results and will have in-depth knowledge of the next generation of senior Kilkenny hurlers.
27 July 2019; Kilkenny manager Brian Cody, left, with his selector Derek Lyng before the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Kilkenny and Limerick at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
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The Legacy Of Brian Cody
Brian Cody's final game in charge was Kilkenny's All-Ireland Final loss to Limerick, after which he said, "
"I have never been prouder of a team than I was leaving Croke Park on Sunday. They fought to the bitter end. They refused to break and refused to lie down."
Cody's reign as manager saw Kilkenny take home 11 All-Ireland, 18 Leinster Championships, and 10 National Hurling League titles.
There had been much speculation as to who would take over his position, with names such as Derek Lyng, Henry Shefflin, Mick Fennelly, Eddie Brennan, David Herit, and DJ Carey, all bandied about.
All of the above names are men who played under Cody, and would be suited to carrying on his legacy, but Kilkenny hurling legend Michael Walsh explained why Lyng would have a slight edge over the other candidates.
“Derek (Lyng) would be a slight favourite after winning the under 20’s. Especially with his backroom team involving Peter Barry, Micheal Rice, and Peter Donovon. He might have the upper hand in regards to a slight favourite.”
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