Kilkenny star Lyng announces inter-county retirement
Kilkenny's Derek Lyng has announced his retirement from senior inter-county hurling, ending his nine-year run with the Cars.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who was promoted to the senior side in 2001, said it was a privilege to play for his county.
"There is never an ideal time to do something like this, but the time is right for me now. I had a great innings," he said.
"I played with and against some of the greatest hurlers who ever lived and I picked up a few honours along the way."
Lyng won six All-Ireland SHC titles, four National League titles, nine Leinster SHC titles, two All-Star awards and four Walsh Cup titles during his stellar career.
In this year's Championship, he made three appearances as a substitute, and scored a point in the 4-17 to 1-18 All-Ireland final defeat to Tipperary.
"Playing with Kilkenny always meant a huge amount to me. I always had massive pride in it and I never took anything for granted," he added.
"If you relaxed, someone would have overtaken you and you would be gone.
"I loved everything about it, the training, the camaraderie, the atmosphere of the big match. I found playing for your county at a full Croke Park to be inspiring."
Lyng, who works as a medical rep, also won Interprovincial Championship honours with Leinster in 2002, 2003 and 2006, and represented Ireland in the 2008 Shinty-Hurling International at Nowlan Park.
He intends to continuing playing locally for club Emeralds of Urlingford.
