Quinlan still haunted by shattering end to Lions dream

MUNSTER flanker Alan Quinlan says the disappointment of missing out on a Lions tour as a result of an eye-gouging incident will live with him forever.

Quinlan copped a 12-week ban after appearing to gouge Leinster captain Leo Cullen during Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final defeat to their provincial rivals last May, which ruled him out of the Lions’ trek to South Africa.

The 35-year-old yesterday spoke for the first time of his “massive regret” over the incident, and took full responsibility for his actions.