Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng remains focussed ahead of huge test with Tipperary

For the seventh year in a row Kilkenny are gearing up for a visit to Croke Park on All-Ireland semi-final weekend as they look to return to the showpiece decider.

Arch rivals Tipperary stand in the way of third final appearance in four seasons and for manager Derek Lyng it’s a challenge they are really looking forward to as they look to build on their Leinster Championship success.

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“I think we’ve managed the break really well and we’ve really good competition in the squad.

“We are trying to focus on ourselves in every session and that’s being the case all year regardless of the opposition.

“I’m very happy with that and obviously in the last week or so we’ve known who our opponents will be and you look at certain things and work towards that.

“We’ve made sure training has been as competitive as possible and they have been.

“Most of the hard work is now done but the rest of this week is important in preparing as well as we can mentally and physically ensuring we are fresh and ready to go on Sunday.”

It’s a rare championship meeting between the counties with both going along different paths since the 2019 All-Ireland final and while trying to deflect attention, there is no getting away from the added local factor for a Kilkenny boss who’s from right on the border in Urlingford.

“When you are growing up, the rivalry between the counties was massive and it adds to the whole event .

“There’s a long standing tradition there but for us you can’t get caught up in that and it’s just about preparing as best as we can. It’s game seven of the championship for us and it’s an All-Ireland semi-final so regardless of who you are playing it’s going to be a huge game .

“It’s something for supporters to enjoy a bit more but it definitely adds to the excitement with traditional neighbours colliding.

“It’s a healthy rivalry with huge respect between Kilkenny and Tipperary and there always has been even from when I was playing,” Lyng added.

The last meeting between the teams is one that will have been stored in the brains of Kilkenny followers after Jordan Molloy, David Blanchfield and Mikey Carey were all sent off in their league affair a few months ago.

“I remember at the time, there was a lot of frustration there. I think that common-sense approach is important, but I also think the responsibility is on the two teams as well,” said Lyng. “It’s not an easy job, refereeing, and I know what they’ve been asked to do. But I think since then, we’ve had to look at our own discipline – and you have to. You can point the finger at everybody else, but it’s something we’ve looked at as well.

“At the same time, I do feel sorry for incidents where a collision is unavoidable. It’s just the pace of the game. I don’t think any players out there go out with the intent to hurt anybody. I just think sometimes that needs to be taken into account. But I think we’ll get a really good game. There are experienced officials there.”

Lyng got a close up look at the Premier County during their league meeting earlier in the spring and his team are gearing up for their biggest test of the year to date.

“I think Tipperary have been excellent all through the year from the league to the championship. We’ve huge respect for what they have done so far this year and it will undoubtedly be our biggest test so far this year.

“Tipp have a lot of strengths in their team but so do we and that’s mainly where our focus is and we will try to perform on the day as a team.”

When it comes to playing in Croke Park on the big days, the Cats have a huge edge with a number of Tipperary players primed for their first appearance in the famed ground and nerves could play a part on such a big occasion even if the manager doesn’t think the venue will have a big bearing on the result.

“I’m not sure if Croke Park will be an advantage to us or not as most players look forward to going there. We have had a lot of experience in playing there as a result of being in the Leinster championship and maybe we are familiar with the build-up to the game but I don’t think it will be a huge factor really,” the former All-Ireland winner finished.