Donal Lenihan: Always good to finish a year with an 'I was there' moment

You really had to be in the historic surroundings of an electric Kings Park last July to fully appreciate the magnitude of what Andy Farrell’s Ireland achieved against the world champions

BOK BEATERS: Ireland's Peter O'Mahony savours the series-levelling victory over world champions South Africa at Kings Park in Durban last July.

It’s the time of year when you feel obliged to look forward but obligated to extend one last glance in the rear view mirror.

With 2025 already upon us, two events look set to dominate the rugby calendar. From an Irish perspective, it will be fascinating to see how we cope without Andy Farrell’s considerable presence in camp in the lead up to the key opening Six Nations contest against England in Dublin in a month’s time.