“They don’t look to me like they are getting weaker” | Derek Lyng heaps praise on historic Limerick side

The Kilkenny boss was heavily impressed with the Shannonsiders, and admitted that his side “didn’t do enough.”

Throughout the first half of Sunday’s All-Ireland final, it looked like Kilkenny were going to put an end to Limerick’s dominance.

Holding a three point lead at half-time, the Cats led by as many as six at one stage, but they were unable to weather the second half Shannonside storm.

Outscored 0-21 to 1-6 in the second period, there was little the Cats could do to rub the irresistible Treaty men.

Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng has admitted it was tough to stop the momentum swing which ensued in the third quarter and beyond, saying “it’s difficult.”

“You’re trying to see if you can make a few changes, see if you can stop the momentum. Lads came on today, some were forced really, we had a couple of injuries and lads that took heavy knocks, it’s difficult. We just didn’t do enough to get a score or two to stop it.”

Following a turbulent Munster championship, which they still managed to win, Limerick were under heavy scrutiny from the media regarding their hunger, desire, and will to win.

They have since put in a number of spirited displays to put those claims to bed, and Lyng believes they have a lot more left to give.

“They don’t look like they’re getting any weaker, they have huge experience and their age profile is pretty good so look they’re going to take stopping there’s no question about it, they’re a fantastic team.”

It was always going to be a tough job for Lyng, following on from the great Brian Cody, who won so much in his time but reaching the decider will give them hope going forward.

However, despite a successful first term in charge, the Cats’ drought goes on at least another year, and Lyng will no doubt be disappointed but also apprehensive of the Limerick juggernaut as the Winter will no doubt be spent pondering who will stop Limerick.

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