Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

A rugby player, coach and manager during a glittering career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions and now a definitive voice in Irish rugby analysis and commentary.

Donal Lenihan: Now we are seeing the true benefits of Ireland's NZ tour

The experience bagged from three successive tests against the All Blacks has proved transformative to this Irish set up.

Wed, 08 Mar, 2023

Garry Ringrose and Stuart Hogg 19/3/2022

S Donal Lenihan: Ringrose return timely to counter threat from Russell-powered Scots

Garry Ringrose has been excellent for club and country all season.

Wed, 01 Mar, 2023

Italy v Ireland - Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship

S Donal Lenihan: Bench boost the big upside from tough test in Rome

Andy Farrell’s much depleted squad has delivered a full house in this championship so far.

Sun, 26 Feb, 2023

Wales Front Row Graham Price Bobby Windsor and Charlie Faulkner 1978

Donal Lenihan: Weeping in the Welsh valleys

From Pontypool's granite front row to the magic of Bennett and Edwards, the way Welsh rugby used to be only makes the present crisis all the more miserable.

Tue, 21 Feb, 2023

Peter O’Mahony celebrates with his son Theo after the game 11/2/2023

S Donal Lenihan: Six Nations has gone to the next level

There's nothing between the top sides in a tournament that is the envy of the rest of the rugby world.

Wed, 15 Feb, 2023

France v Ireland - Guinness Six Nations - Stade de France

Donal Lenihan: Irish efficiency can defy French stardust as world watches

Never before have the number one and two ranked sides in World Rugby met in a Six Nations contest

Sat, 11 Feb, 2023

S Donal Lenihan: Practicing fine detail gives Ireland and France the edge

Expect a reaction from Les Bleus in Dublin this weekend.

Wed, 08 Feb, 2023

Peter O’Mahony, Caelan Dorris, Dan Sheehan, Mack Hansen, Andrew Porter and Craig Casey celebrate after the game 4/2/2023

S Donal Lenihan: Ireland will be all the better for second half stress test

The impressive broken field running of restored full back Liam Williams opened Ireland up and if Wales had been more clinical from attacking line outs they might have stressed Ireland a bit more in a spirited second-half fightback.

Mon, 06 Feb, 2023

Donal Lenihan: Ireland can keep pace too high for grizzled Wales

The Wales players need a cause and Gatland is the man to deliver it. Never the greatest technical coach, he excels in changing the mindset of players

Sat, 04 Feb, 2023

S Donal Lenihan: It would be nice if rugby could keep the sparks out of the board room and on the pitch

Is it any wonder the IRFU and the professional rugby model in Ireland is seen as best-in-class and the envy of most unions?

Wed, 01 Feb, 2023