Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Ireland beating New Zealand is the stuff of dreams

IF THAT heartbreaking 22-24 defeat at the death against New Zealand in Dublin three years ago and the lessons learnt from the fallout was credited as the catalyst for back-to-back Six Nations championship titles in 2014 and 2015, one wonders what the long-term legacy of this unique experience in Chicago will be.

Mon, 07 Nov, 2016

Ireland face daunting task of stemming tidal wave of New Zealand attack

Donal Lenihan looks at three key areas where Ireland must excel just to compete against New Zealand at Soldier Field tonight.

Sat, 05 Nov, 2016

Are New Zealand beatable? Yes, of course they are

Joe Schmidt isn’t the only one looking forward to seeing his charges face the best side in the world twice over the next few weeks.

Wed, 02 Nov, 2016

After the darkest of days, some brightness emerges

One thing Anthony Foley’s tragic passing highlighted over the last week was just how small and tightly knit the European rugby community is.

Wed, 26 Oct, 2016

Munster remember Anthony Foley in the best way possible

Never before did Thomond Park radiate such an emotionally-charged atmosphere for a game which, in advance at least, the outcome wasn’t the most important issue on the day. Some harboured a fear that, with little or no preparation over the course of a draining week, Munster were vulnerable and exposed to a very good Glasgow Warriors side.

Mon, 24 Oct, 2016

Let’s stand down our famed No 8 shirt

It’s still difficult to come to terms with the surreal events in Paris last weekend. Munster trips to the French capital haven’t been the most pleasant of experiences in recent times.

Wed, 19 Oct, 2016

Anthony Foley's passing has robbed Irish rugby of a massive talent

With the passing of Anthony Foley things will never be the same again and Irish rugby has been robbed of a massive talent, writes Donal Lenihan.

Tue, 18 Oct, 2016

European mountain top may not be as distant as many believe

Eight years have elapsed since Munster toppled the mighty Toulouse to be crowned champions of Europe on an emotional evening in Cardiff.

Wed, 12 Oct, 2016

Peter O’Mahony is to Munster what Paul O’Connell was for over a decade

Forget about the bonus point, the seven tries scored or the margin of victory, the most pleasing and significant moment of Munster’s comprehensive 49-5 win over Zebre on Saturday was the return to action of their captain Peter O’Mahony.

Wed, 05 Oct, 2016

South Africa v Ireland - Castle Lager Incoming Series 3rd Test

So many wins to be quarried from series disappointment

The immediate response on the final whistle at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium was one of acute disappointment given Ireland finished this gruelling series camped on the South African line after a 19-phase onslaught in search of what could have been a winning score and a series clincher. It was that tight.

Mon, 27 Jun, 2016