Kilkenny are searching for a new senior hurling manager with Derek Lyng ending his four-year tenure.
A six-time All-Ireland winner with the Cats as a player, Lyng took over when Brian Cody’s 24-year reign ended in 2022 having led his native county to that year’s All-Ireland U20 title.
In his first season, Lyng guided Kilkenny to an All-Ireland final where they were beaten by Limerick, while the would suffer back-to-back semi-final losses in 2024 and 2025 by eventual winners Clare and Tipperary respectively.
Although he also secured three provincial titles, this season saw Kilkenny finish fourth in the Leinster round robin, exiting the championship before the start of the All-Ireland series for the first time since the new format was introduced in 2018.
Despite having one year of a new two-year term remaining, the 47-year-old informed the Kilkenny County Board of his decision to step down with county chair PJ Kenny paying tribute to the “immense” contribution made by Lyng.
“Derek’s contribution to Kilkenny hurling over almost three decades has been immense,” Kenny said in a statement.
“His commitment to the county has never been in question, and he has always carried out his role with honesty, integrity and pride.
“On behalf of Kilkenny County Board and the people of Kilkenny, I would like to sincerely thank Derek for his outstanding service as a player, selector and manager.
“We are deeply grateful for everything he has done for Kilkenny hurling and wish him and his family every success in the future.”