Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

How All Blacks hit the Lions where it hurts

The opening test of a Lions series is a journey into the unknown. Everything the Lions coaching staff have done in the last five weeks, since the earliest arrivals introduced themselves for those pre-tour camps at the Vale of Glamorgan and Carton House, has been geared towards this moment.

Mon, 26 Jun, 2017

Half-back gold on show at Eden Park

With little preparation time, the opening test of a Lions series can often be decided by poor selection.

Fri, 23 Jun, 2017

Pressure is on for the All Blacks who dare not lose Test opener

Hard to believe that, given the incessant pre-tour hype that started out months in advance, this Lions tour has already passed the halfway point, with six games played.

Wed, 21 Jun, 2017

The latest Gatlandgate could linger for a while

The one constant with Warren Gatland over the years is his ability to generate controversy. It is something that doesn’t bother him unduly, even if you can be assured of some tetchy press conferences over the days and weeks ahead.

Mon, 19 Jun, 2017

Next seven days vital for Lions as selections for first test will be nailed down or squandered

With four games played this Lions squad now fully appreciate the severity of the task ahead of them in the test series, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 14 Jun, 2017

Party piece is over. From now on everybody wants Lions’ scalp

Tana Umaga, the centrepiece of one of the most contentious incidents in Lions history, wants to be the first New Zealand coach on this tour to claim a Lions scalp, and that will to win will continue everywhere the tourists travel, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 07 Jun, 2017

Lions brand has become a huge cash generator since first tour

For the financial viability of the international game in particular, there is far more riding on a competitive Lions series than many appreciate, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 31 May, 2017

Time for Munster to assess and move forward

A chastening end to what has proved one of the most horrifically demanding and challenging seasons any group of players and management has ever had to endure.

Mon, 29 May, 2017

Red alert as Munster on mission to scratch a seven-year-itch

Across a season of 31 competitive games, Leinster registered 23 wins, a single draw and only seven defeats, writes Donal Lenihan. 

Wed, 24 May, 2017

Sarries’ Lions have proved their mettle to Gatland. Can Munster and Leinster Lions do likewise?

The lack of an Irish presence may have dampened our enthusiasm in the buildup to the Champions Cup final but, in the end, worthy finalists Saracens and Clermont Auvergne produced a captivating spectacle.

Wed, 17 May, 2017