Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Donal Lenihan: Spotlight firmly on Johann van Graan as predictable Munster fail to surprise or inspire

The evidence of any appreciable change in the way Munster are going about their business has been difficult to identify in the four games played to date

Wed, 07 Oct, 2020

Donal Lenihan: Big Springbok franchises a godsend to the ailing PRO14

With its capacity to rest the top international players at crucial times during the season, the PRO14 has served Irish rugby well. However, the tournament stands at a crossroads

Wed, 30 Sep, 2020

Leinster v Saracens - Heineken Champions Cup Quarter-Final

Donal Lenihan: Steely Saracens show money is not their only motivation

Leinster's defeat serves to highlight the shortcomings of the PRO14 - and also hits the IRFU in the pocket

Wed, 23 Sep, 2020

Maro Itoje in a maul with Cian Healy 19/9/2020

Donal Lenihan: Irish momentum grinds to a shuddering halt in Champions Cup

For years before finally cracking what was required to succeed in Europe, Munster thrived on the underdog tag, playing with a chip on both shoulders over some grievance — manufactured or otherwise — and relying on their unbridled passion to see them ...

Mon, 21 Sep, 2020

Donal Lenihan: What Leinster and Ulster have to do to progress in Champions Cup

An Irish presence in the last four of the Champions Cup is dependent on a number of factors

Sat, 19 Sep, 2020

Saracens v Harlequins - Gallagher Premiership - Allianz Park

Donal Lenihan: Smarting Saracens retain star quality to test Leinster like no other

Saracens remain the last team to experience what it’s like to defeat Leinster

Wed, 16 Sep, 2020

Leinster v Munster - Guinness PRO14 Semi-Final

Donal Lenihan: Thinking outside the Boks - How Munster's mindset needs to change

Every champion team has one or two key players whose mere presence lift those around them. Even New Zealand, despite being jam-packed with quality performers, is reliant on the inspirational figures that separate them from the rest.

Wed, 09 Sep, 2020

Leinster v Munster - Guinness PRO14 Round 14

Donal Lenihan: Munster couldn't be that unlucky again with a stellar import, could they?

This is going to take some getting used to. Perched in the prime seats, bang on Aviva Stadium's halfway line in the relative isolation of the RTÉ commentary box, the irony of the situation was hard to dismiss.

Mon, 24 Aug, 2020

New Zealand will improve, but so will Joe’s Ireland

With the much anticipated New Zealand test looming large in the background, the opening international of the November Guinness Series always had a bit of a matinee feel to it, the prelude to the main event.

Mon, 12 Nov, 2018

Joe Schmidt’s powerplays can help Ireland exploit demise of the Bajada

Donal Lenihan on what Ireland must do to beat Argentina.

Sat, 10 Nov, 2018