Kilkenny started a new era with Derek Lyng stepping in as Kilkenny’s bainisteoir after the legendary Brian Cody decided to call time on his illustrious inter-county managerial career.
The Cats went up against Offaly in John Locke Park, Callan on Sunday, with the home side coming away victorious on the day.
See also: Kilkenny defeat spirited Offaly in Derek Lyng’s first game in charge
Offaly themselves have a new man on the sideline since Shamrocks Micheal Fennelly stepped away.
Johnny Kelly is in charge now, speaking to Scoreline stated that he has his sights firmly set on glory this year in the league, and Joe MacDonagh Cup;
“Simple as this, we look to win the league and win the Joe McDonagh Cup. That is why we are here. We hope to achieve this, and it won’t be easy.”
“Some brilliant teams there, Kerry are excellent. Laois as well, Kildare are improving every day, they had a brilliant run with Naas.”
“Our aim is similar to the rest of them, we want to win the Joe McDonagh Cup”
Carlow had a 0-22 to 0-17 defeat of Offaly in O’Connor Park in last year’s Joe McDonagh Cup, narrowly missing out on a place in the final. Tom Mullaley will be hoping his side has a big say in this year’s competition.
You can listen back to the full interview, including the words of Offaly chair Michael Duignan on Scoreline Extra below: