Donal Lenihan: Rugby's generation game evokes memories of defiant Irish win in Cardiff

The game in Wales has reached crisis point, a far cry from when I was a youngster. Having once reigned supreme, Welsh rugby has reached rock bottom.

16 March 1985; The Ireland team line up ahead of the national anthems. 5 Nations, Wales v Ireland, Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales. Picture credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

One of the most enjoyable parts of doing commentary on Ireland U20 games over the years is, not only have they played a great brand of attacking rugby and been hugely successful, there’s usually someone in the respective line-ups whose father I either played with or against.

With the passage of time, it’s now reached the stage where I even know some of the grandparents. When Shannon’s Oisín Minogue sprinted onto the field at the Hive against Scotland, I didn’t have time to cover his impressive pedigree before he dotted down for a try within 20 seconds of his arrival.