Derek Lyng was making no excuses after Kilkenny’s season ended in May.

A seven-point defeat to Dublin in Parnell Park, coupled with Offaly’s comfortable win over Kildare in Newbridge, saw the six-in-a-row Leinster champions exit the Liam MacCarthy Cup race at a surprisingly early stage.

"We were second best and that's the reality of it," the crestfallen Kilkenny manager told RTÉ.

"We did everything we could to get into the game. It just wasn't happening, it wasn't flowing.

"In fairness to Dublin, they were sharper on the breaks. They closed us off really in the second half and we had the wind. They ran the ball very well, which they're very good at doing.”

Lyng added: "They obviously can play it long as well. I have no complaints. Our effort, as usual, from the players was outstanding. I can't ask for any more from them. It just didn't run for them and it probably hasn't this year, if we're being brutally honest."

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