Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Sean O’Brien an obvious captain in Irish rugby's changing of the guard

It almost passed unnoticed. Some who attended may have played no hand, act or part in Ireland’s ultimately disappointing World Cup experience three months ago but were in attendance when the book was finally closed on the 2015 event by the Irish players and management at Carton House on Sunday.

Wed, 06 Jan, 2016

Munster v Leinster - Guinness PRO12 Round 10

Munster must find a fork in the road ahead

It’s an oft-used phrase but it encapsulates succinctly the bind Munster find themselves in at present: “If things don’t change, they stay the same.”

Wed, 30 Dec, 2015

Munster’s kicking solution may be right under their nose...

With two full rounds of the Champions Cup pool action still to come in January, it’s already cast in stone that should Ulster or Munster claw their way into the final eight, there will be no quarter-final contested on Irish soil this season.

Wed, 23 Dec, 2015

A day Munster didn’t get the reward they deserved

For the second weekend in a row, Ulster have kept Irish Champions Cup qualification hopes alive with a smashing win in Toulouse. Back-to-back victories over the former standard bearers in Europe represents an excellent start to the reign of Les Kiss as he begins to make his presence felt in Belfast.

Mon, 21 Dec, 2015

Munster v Leicester Tigers - European Rugby Champions Cup - Pool 4 Round 3

Munster must take hard look at themselves, not at referees

If you’re a beleaguered fan of Munster or Leinster, pining for the glory days when knockout rugby in European competition could be taken for granted at the turn of the year, then you’re in good company.

Wed, 16 Dec, 2015

What do Champions Cup performances say about Irish rugby?

IF Ulster’s amazing 38-0 demolition of Toulouse on Friday night suggested talk of the demise of the Irish provinces in Europe is a bit premature, the performances of Munster and Leinster only served to open the debate once again.

Mon, 14 Dec, 2015

Time for IRFU to state its intention for provinces

Call it coincidence, but there was a prescient air of doom and gloom — amongst media and supporters at any rate — among the Pro12 sides heading into Round 2 of the Champions Cup. With good reason, as it transpired.

Wed, 09 Dec, 2015

Possession name of the game for Pat Lam

After a funeral in Greystones on Saturday morning, I was approached by a man who proudly introduced himself as a Connacht selector on the day the westerners beat Munster in Thomond Park in 1986.

Wed, 02 Dec, 2015

Eddie Jones and Jonah Lomu: Headline-makers in different ways

IT HAS been some week for rugby. In a period overshadowed by the terrorist attacks that has put all in France and beyond on high alert, the postponement of Munster’s Champions Cup game in Paris was absolutely necessary.

Wed, 25 Nov, 2015

The wheels coming off in Europe for Irish provinces

Four games into the Champions Cup for the Irish provinces and just a solitary win to show for our efforts. Even that was achieved at home by Munster against the tournament’s basement side Treviso. 

Mon, 23 Nov, 2015