Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng happy with opening win in tough conditions

Following in the footsteps of Brian Cody was always going to be a tough task in Kilkenny, but Derek Lyng was very satisfied with his first League game in charge on Saturday.

Six points was the margin of victory and although Antrim were just two points back on 65 minutes, Kilkenny never really looked in any kind of trouble as they withstood the hosts’ spell midway through the second period and finished strong down the stretch with the final four points.

Conditions in Belfast were tricky in the first half and a complete nightmare in the second with driving rain accompanied by a swirling wind that seemed to change direction in favour of the hosts, but Kilkenny rolled up their sleeves and displayed the drive to close out the win.

“Conditions out there were tough for both teams, but coming up we knew it was going be a huge battle as Antrim have been surviving at this level for a good while now and they’re a very impressive team,” said Lyng.

“The first match of the year, I’m just happy with he performance in tough conditions, but we got over the line and that was the most important thing.

“That tells you a lot at players too, as it wasn’t straightforward and we had to battle through on a couple of occasions when it looked like Antrim had the momentum with a bit of a wind behind them and were getting their scores a bit easier.

“We found a way and got a score or two, so as the game went on I thought we finished very strong.

“Overall, I’m delighted with the performance. It wasn’t perfect and shouldn’t be at this time of year, but the attitude is fantastic and that’s what we are looking for.”

Making a good start to his term as manager was a vital for Lyng and although stepping into Cody’s shoes could almost be daunting, the six-time All-Ireland winner said his former boss has been helpful as he assumed the reins.

Naturally, there were a few butterflies ahead of the game with Corrigan Park proving something of a rocky terrain for visitors in recent years.

“If you didn’t (have nerves), there’s something wrong with you,” he insisted. “These are big games and it’s brilliant to be involved but there’s always a bit of tension beforehand.

“In fairness, he (Brian Cody) has been a great support and he is just a great supporter of Kilkenny hurling, so that bit of encouragement is always there.”

There is a long road ahead and the ambition for last year’s All-Ireland finalists will be to take the next step in 2023.

Saturday’s win has plenty of positives and although it was not the complete performance, Lyng is more than happy with how his side performed and where they find themselves in early February.

There were noticeable tweaks to their approach with a lot more short, trip passing and while his ideas will take a while to fully take grip, Lyng could reflect on a fine start at the weekend.

“As the year goes on, the intensity of games will pick up but overall I’m just delighted with our attitude, the character that lads showed in tough conditions and got through it,” he insisted.

“It was a decent start but obviously, there’s a lot of work to do yet.

“We want players who are able to make decisions on the pitch and we are trying to equip them with options to play the game in front of them.

“At times it worked well and at times we over-elaborated and made life hard for ourselves. We’re not looking for the perfect performance at this time of the year, but still are looking to the right things all the time and hopefully we will improve as the year goes on.”

On the other side Antrim manager Darren Gleeson felt it was a chance missed by his side.

“There was an opportunity arose there for the group and they didn’t take it,” Gleeson accepted.

“The elements came with us in the second half but basic errors let us down.”