Brian O'Driscoll reflects on Leinster's defeat to the Ospreys
© PA
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Gerry Thornley believes that time may be running out for Ireland's 'golden generation' after a barren year in The Irish Times.
"They weren’t that far away, but injuries to key men, even the slightest dilution of desire after reaching so many promised lands in recent years and improvements by others took a toll (and it doesn’t help when, on top of Ireland playing in Paris, both Leinster and Munster were drawn away in France in the semi-finals).
"The future doesn’t look like getting easier any time soon though. French clubs, backed by multi-millionaire benefactors, have strengthened their hand to the point that Biarritz and Stade Français have become mid-table also rans. Leicester have a Munster-like culture and both Northampton and Saracens are coming forces, as are the Welsh, and especially the Ospreys and Cardiff Blues.
"The golden generation, and they truly have been, have a few more big games in them. But this season has perhaps marked the beginning of the end of an era, with the next World Cup and the 2011-12 season marking something of a watershed."
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