Derek Lyng: Half-time debrief inspired Kilkenny comeback against Offaly

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng confirmed that words were exchanged in his dressing room when the county found themselves six points down to Offaly at half-time of their Division 1A Allianz Hurling League clash at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday.

Offaly dominated a first half played out in strong winds at the venue, taking a 0-14 to 0-08 lead into the break against a lacklustre Kilkenny side.

Lyng's team needed a big showing in the second half, and they delivered, with Eoin Cody's brilliant 48th-minute goal helping them on their way to an eventual 1-26 to 1-19 victory.

Asked afterwards if he shared harsh words with his team at the interval, Lyng confirmed that this was the case, but added that his players were equally vocal as they looked to plot a way back into the game.

"There were words alright in the dressing room but that comes from the players as well," Lyng told RTÉ Sport.

"We were frustrated at how we performed but it's not going to be perfect at this time of year. Sometimes, we overdid it and we had a few wides as well and that added to the frustration on the players' behalf.

"We attacked the second half, went at it a bit better, took our opportunities, thankfully that was enough."

Lyng also admitted that Kilkenny were lacking the work-rate and intensity that has been synonymous with the county's hurlers over the years but he gave his players credit for their second-half turnaround.

"We were just off it that little bit," added Lyng. "In fairness to the players, the attitude is very good and I think they would have been disappointed themselves at half-time.

"Look, the second half was better in that regard, we started winning more ball and started moving it faster, gave the forwards an opportunity and we tapped on a few scores.