Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Will Johann van Graan promote Paul O’Connell to senior set-up?

It’s been something of a rollercoaster week for Munster, what with a face-saving draw on the road against Castres, the weakest of the French participants in this season’s Champions Cup, to complement the confirmation of a new head coach, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 18 Oct, 2017

Take the draw, the two points and run: Reds ride their luck

The rouble with Castres is, you never quite know what they will bring to the table. With just two wins from seven outings in the French Top 14, they should make for more inviting opposition than any of the other five French qualifiers in this season’s Champions Cup.

Mon, 16 Oct, 2017

Can the Irish provinces finally get back to the European summit?

Away wins anywhere in this pool will be extremely hard to come by and will ultimately prove decisive, writes Donal Lenihan

Wed, 11 Oct, 2017

Johann van Graan offered Munster job but what of Andy Farrell?

If Munster were happy to appoint someone who hasn’t previously enjoyed the role of head coach but proved himself in international management, the solution lay under their nose, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 04 Oct, 2017

Fearless Willie Duggan: The hardest man I played with

Hearing about the sudden passing of a former team-mate is always shocking. When the first of many texts started to arrive early yesterday, I was stunned. 

Tue, 29 Aug, 2017

A fitting finale as Lions Tour lives up to the hype

What a finale. A compelling Test match, played at a breathtaking pace in an exhilarating atmosphere.

Mon, 10 Jul, 2017

Lions need to grasp the fact they’re on brink of something exceptional

Donal Lenihan breaks down three monumental challenges facing the Lions...

Fri, 07 Jul, 2017

Highlights to the left of me, shampoo and cut to my right, and All Blacks with intent stuck in the middle again

Is Steve Hansen getting the best out of a world-class talent like Beauden Barrett? asks Donal Lenihan

Wed, 05 Jul, 2017

Lions grasp lifeline to turn pressure up on All Blacks

After a hectic five weeks on the road and eight searching examinations to this point, the 2017 Lions tour reached the point of no return in the aptly named windy Wellington last Saturday night.

Mon, 03 Jul, 2017

Lions must face spark at breakdown or face the final curtain

Donal Lenihan looks at three key areas the Lions must address.

Fri, 30 Jun, 2017