It’s an exciting time for Kilkenny supporters with a new era well and truly underway after last weekend’s defeat of Offaly in the opening round of the Walsh Cup.
That match did not just act as the curtain raiser for the intercounty side in 2023, but it was also Derek Lyng’s first game at the helm.
The four-point win over Johnny Kelly’s team means they are two victories away from a place in the final at the end of this month.
Their second-round clash comes this Sunday at 2pm in Rathdowney when they take on Laois (Live on KCLR).
Speaking to KCLR’s Scoreline ahead of that game, eight-time All-Ireland winner Michael Fennelly explained how pre-season competitions are utilised.
He began: “It’s not really all about the win. It’s nice to get a win, but the Walsh Cup is more so about performances and giving opportunities to new players. I think there’s too much emphasis on results these days and too much of a spotlight on who’s winning at this stage of the year.
“You’re preparing for the league, ultimately. As we all know, when the league comes around nobody remembers the Walsh Cup. I think it’s about blooding players now and getting performances. You’re trying to mull your team together for the league. That’s what’s most important in January.
“It’s a good run out for the younger players and I’m sure it will give the management team every chance to see what he has at his disposal.”
The 2011 Hurler of the Year also gave his verdict on the appointment of his former Kilkenny teammate to the managerial post following the departure of Brian Cody in July.
“Derek was with the Under 20s for a good period and would have formed his own management style. He learned a lot from being a player and a selector during Brian Cody’s era.
“It was a great appointment and the most logical appointment as well.
“He has a great understanding of what’s coming through and he’s eager to blood these younger players and give them a chance.”
Fennelly, who won five All-Irelands with his club Ballyhale Shamrocks during a glittering playing career, feels the Cats will once again be amongst the main contenders for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2023 as the chasing pack look to put a halt to the Limerick’s four-in-a-row bid.
“Everyone starts from scratch including Limerick. I would like to think we’re in the top four at the moment. Waterford and Cork have strong teams with both of them having some good young players coming through.
“You have Galway who have good hurlers and Henry (Shefflin, Galway manager) will be looking for new players.
“There’ll be a lot of planning going on for Derek to make sure we’re as strong as possible. He’ll want to find a very strong starting team and then he’ll want to make sure that there are five or six strong subs to come on if needed.”
You can hear the full interview at 4pm this Saturday on KCLR.
The 2011 hurler of the year gives his take on the appointment of Derek Lyng to the managerial post in Kilkenny, his club’s chances of winning a ninth All-Ireland title later this month, Henry Shefflin’s hopes for his second season with Galway, and he reveals why he is no longer in charge of Offaly despite having a successful three-year spell as the county’s senior manager.
This Saturday at 4 pm on @kclr96fm , you can hear Scoreline’s full interview with former @KilkennyCLG and @BallyhaleGAA All-Ireland winner Michael Fennelly. #hurling #Kilkenny #laois #GAA #shamrocks #galway pic.twitter.com/C5Z203OY6z
— Scoreline.ie (@scorelinesport) January 13, 2023
KCLR is the only place where you can hear full live commentaries of all of Kilkenny’s Walsh Cup, Allianz National Hurling League, Leinster championship and All-Ireland series games in 2023.
We’ll be live from 1.30pm this Sunday for full pre-match build-up before we hand across to our commentary team of Brendan Hennessy and two-time All-Ireland winner Michael Walsh for full live commentary of Kilkenny’s clash with Laois.
