Derek Lyng laments Kilkenny’s inability to close out game against Tipperary after another painful All-Ireland semi-final exit for the Cats, leaving their wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup now stretching to 11 years, their longest since first winning it in 1904. Lyng, who led Kilkenny to the final in his first year, saw his team fall at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row as they lost 4-20 to 0-30 to Tipperary, despite taking the lead against 14 men before Oisín O’Donoghue’s late goal sealed Tipp’s win and ended Kilkenny’s hopes.
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A Tough Loss for Kilkenny
Lyng described the defeat as a tough one for players and supporters, acknowledging the heartbreak in the dressing room after the game. Kilkenny had started well and managed the early stages of the match with confidence until conceding Tipp’s first goal, which Lyng said caused panic and shifted the game’s momentum away from them.
Battling Back but Falling Short
Despite conceding three goals in the first half, Lyng praised his players for their strong response after halftime, regaining control and taking the lead even while facing a determined Tipperary side. However, conceding a fourth goal late in the game proved costly. Lyng admitted disappointment in the manner of the goal, noting that Kilkenny had the ball but lost it, missing the chance to clear their lines at a vital moment.
Missed Opportunities and Lack of Goals
Kilkenny’s 30 points marked a record in a semi-final that did not go to extra time, but their inability to score goals was a key factor in the loss. Their best chance came late when John Donnelly’s effort was saved on the line by Robert Doyle. Lyng admitted they needed a goal or two to win and credited Tipperary’s defence for keeping Kilkenny out when it mattered most.
Critical Moments and Fine Margins
Lyng noted that conceding frees and small mistakes allowed Tipperary to regain momentum during key moments, stressing that a killer instinct was needed when Kilkenny had control of the puckouts to secure important scores. He highlighted that despite these challenges, the players fought hard, with Donnelly’s late effort reflecting the team’s never-give-up attitude.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite the disappointment, Lyng expressed pride in his players for their commitment throughout the season, acknowledging the contributions of both the starters and those who came off the bench. He believes there is still an All-Ireland in this team’s future, praising the younger players developing within the squad who will play a key role going forward. Lyng recognised that sport at this level is tough and urged his team to learn from the experience and return stronger, knowing that setbacks like these are part of the journey towards future success.
