Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

When enough is enough: How much more can Irish players take?

With just two rounds of Six Nations action to go, it’s time to take stock. To date, I have seen Ireland live in all three contests; England, Wales, and France twice each in the flesh, and Italy once.

Wed, 02 Mar, 2016

Disappointment? Yes, but this was a defeat with difference

Ireland may not have been interested in getting into a war of words with Eddie Jones in the build-up to Saturday’s face-off at Twickenham, preferring instead to launch a war of attrition against the lippy Aussie and his English team where it mattered most, on the field, writes Donal Lenihan.

Mon, 29 Feb, 2016

Three things Joe Schmidt's Ireland must produce to surprise England

To frustrate England, it is imperative to stop Billy Vunipola from making his trademark big carries, writes Donal Lenihan.

Sat, 27 Feb, 2016

Time for Ireland to turn pressure into points

If Ireland are to salvage something tangible from this season’s Six Nations championship, then Twickenham is the place to do it.

Wed, 24 Feb, 2016

Joe Schmidt’s Ireland facing tough task keeping up with Eddie Jones's England

The swagger is back. England trooped off the luscious turf of the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon, happy in their own skin and beginning to feel good about themselves again.

Wed, 17 Feb, 2016

Injuries on top of insult for Joe Schmidt’s walking wounded

Last week, any possibility of a Grand Slam or Triple Crown was eliminated on the first outing. This week the potential for a historic third championship on the bounce has also gone west. With England next up in Twickenham, and the casualty rate rising by the day, Ireland are struggling.

Mon, 15 Feb, 2016

Ireland v Wales - RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship 2016

Three key issues as Ireland seek to capitalise on French weaknesses

Donal Lenihan looks ahead to Ireland's clash with France.

Sat, 13 Feb, 2016

Six Nations championship will come down to survival of the fittest

If the opening sequence of games highlighted anything, it’s that the 2016 Six Nations title may well end up in the arms of the team with the shortest casualty list. The ability to close out tight contests is now coming down to having your key players in situ on the home straight.

Wed, 10 Feb, 2016

Paul O’Connell was destined to be a Munster lifer after all

SO everyone's go-to man has called it a day. For a rugby player who gave so much for so long, he deserved to bow out in a gladiatorial manner, writes Donal Lenihan. 