Darragh Lenihan


Darragh Patrick Lenihan is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Blackburn Rovers.

Career

Blackburn Rovers

In the summer of 2011 Lenihan signed for Blackburn Rovers from Belvedere. Two years later, he signed a contract with the club and then again in May 2014.

Loan to Burton Albion

In October 2014 he signed for Burton Albion on a months loan. Lenihan made his league debut on 25 October coming off the bench against Stevenage.
On 24 November 2014, Lenihan's loan spell with Burton Albion was extended until 3 January 2015. Lenihan's loan spell with Burton Albion was extended twice for another month on 5 January 2015 and on 9 February 2015.
He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw with Portsmouth on 17 January 2015. After five months spell at Burton Albion, Lenihan was recalled by the club on 4 March 2015.

Return to Blackburn Rovers

In April 2015, Lenihan made his debut for Rovers against Millwall coming off the bench in the first half to replace Matthew Kilgallon. After making his debut, Lenihan said in his post-match interview that it was a great experience playing at Ewood Park and that hard work and patience had helped to earn him a first team place. The following game he made his full debut starting against Huddersfield Town.
In October 2019 he suffered a knee injury, ruling him out for 6 to 8 weeks.

International career

After appearing twice for the Republic of Ireland U17 level, Lenihan was called up by Republic of Ireland U19 in September 2012. Lenihan made his only Ireland U19 debut on 8 September 2012, in a 1–1 draw against Latvia U19.
Lenihan was called up by Republic of Ireland U21 for the first time in May 2014. Lenihan made his Ireland U21 debut, playing 90 minutes and as captain, in a 1–1 draw against Qatar U23.
On 2 June 2018, Lenihan made his debut for the Ireland senior team in a 2–1 won over the USA in Dublin, he was credited with the assist for Ireland’s opening goal scored by Graham Burke thanks to a Lenihan volley which was on target. Lenihan became the first person from County Meath to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.

Career statistics

Honours

Blackburn Rovers