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| upright =
| caption = Lenihan playing for Blackburn Rovers in 2016
| full_name = Darragh Patrick Lenihan<ref>{{cite web
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1994|3|16}}<ref name="11v11">{{cite web
| birth_place = [[Dunboyne]], Ireland
| height = 1.87 m<ref name="11v11"/>
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| youthclubs1 = [[Belvedere F.C.|Belvedere]]
| youthyears2 = 2011–2012
| youthclubs2 = [[Blackburn Rovers F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Blackburn Rovers]]
| years1 = 2012–2022
| clubs1 = [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]
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==Club career==
===Blackburn Rovers===
Born in [[Dunboyne]], Ireland, Lenihan started playing football when he joined Dunboyne at four years old.<ref name="Football Origins with Darragh Lenihan">{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/february/football-origins-with-darragh-lenihan/|title=Football Origins with Darragh Lenihan|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=17 February 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514012148/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/february/football-origins-with-darragh-lenihan/|archive-date=14 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After four years at Dunboyne, Lenihan left the club and eventually joined [[Belvedere F.C.|Belvedere]].<ref name="Football Origins with Darragh Lenihan"/> While progressing through Belvedere’s youth team, he was scouted by [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] and [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]], who offered him a contract.<ref name="Football Origins with Darragh Lenihan"/> However, Lenihan rejected the move, stating that it wasn’t a right move for him at the time.<ref name="Football Origins with Darragh Lenihan"/> When he was sixteen years old, Lenihan signed for Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/team/reserves/darragh_lenihan.aspx|title=Darragh Lenihan|work=rovers.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425125711/http://www.rovers.co.uk/team/reserves/darragh_lenihan.aspx|archive-date=25 April 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=25 October 2014}}<br>{{cite news|title='It’s a lonely journey' - Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan on his rise to international football|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16101455.its-lonely-journey---rovers-defender-darragh-lenihan-rise-international-football/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 March 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 20 April 2012, Lenihan played the first leg in the [[2011–12 FA Youth Cup#Final|final of the FA Youth Cup]], as [[Blackburn Rovers F.C. Under-23s and Academy|the academy]] loss 4–0 against [[Chelsea F.C. Development Squad and Academy|Chelsea Youth]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2012/04/20/3049599/chelsea-4-0-blackburn-feruz-double-sinks-rovers-in-fa-youth|title=Chelsea 4-0 Blackburn: Feruz double sinks Rovers in FA Youth Cup first-leg final|website=Goal.com|date=20 April 2012|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422081829/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2900/fa-cup/2012/04/20/3049599/chelsea-4-0-blackburn-feruz-double-sinks-rovers-in-fa-youth|archive-date=22 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, his first two years at the club were "blighted by a series of serious injuries".<ref name="Lenihan Burton Albion">{{cite news|title=Burton Albion loan spell made a man of me, says Blackburn Rovers starlet Darragh Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/12912056.burton-albion-loan-spell-made-man-says-blackburn-rovers-starlet-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=24 April 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> While progressing at the academy, both coach Eric Kinder and [[Colin Hendry]] persuaded him to switch from playing in the central midfield position to centre–back position, a position he played today.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan destined for an international future, insists ex-coach|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16115269.rovers-defender-darragh-lenihan-destined-international-future-insists-ex-coach/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 March 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh always destined to be a defender, says Rovers hero|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17688090.colin-hendry-praises-rovers-defender-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 June 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Coaches look at Lenihan's rise from rookie to leader of men|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18392610.coaches-look-lenihans-rise-rookie-leader-men/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
In the summer of 2011 Lenihan signed for Blackburn Rovers from [[Belvedere F.C.|Belvedere]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/team/reserves/darragh_lenihan.aspx|title=Darragh Lenihan|work=rovers.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425125711/http://www.rovers.co.uk/team/reserves/darragh_lenihan.aspx|archive-date=25 April 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=25 October 2014}}</ref> Two years later, he signed a contract with the club and then again in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/done-deals-887311.aspx|title=Done deals|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 July 2013|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425134721/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/done-deals-887311.aspx|archive-date=25 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/new-deals-for-future-stars-1708758.aspx|title=New deals for future stars|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 July 2014|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101055534/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/new-deals-for-future-stars-1708758.aspx|archive-date=1 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>▼
▲
===Loan to Burton Albion===
On 24 November 2014, Lenihan's loan spell with Burton Albion was extended until 3 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/albion-extend-lenihan-loan-2093940.aspx|title=ALBION EXTEND LENIHAN LOAN|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=24 November 2014|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227130647/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/albion-extend-lenihan-loan-2093940.aspx|archive-date=27 December 2014
He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw with [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] on 17 January 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 1–1 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30758011|work=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2015|access-date=25 April 2015}}</ref> After five months at Burton Albion, Lenihan was recalled by Blackburn on 4 March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/darragh-lenihan-has-been-recalled-by-his-parent-club-blackburn-rovers-2312914.aspx|title=DARRAGH LENIHAN HAS BEEN RECALLED BY HIS PARENT CLUB BLACKBURN ROVERS|publisher=Burton Albion F.C.|date=4 March 2015|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092902/http://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/article/darragh-lenihan-has-been-recalled-by-his-parent-club-blackburn-rovers-2312914.aspx|archive-date=2 April 2015
===
Ahead of the 2015–16 season, manager [[Gary Bowyer]] said he planned on putting Lenihan in the first team, describing him as a "valuable member of the squad”.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink tips Blackburn Rovers' Darragh Lenihan for ‘bright future’|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/12943830.jimmy-floyd-hasselbaink-tips-blackburn-rovers-darragh-lenihan-bright-future/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=12 May 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Gary Bowyer hopes emerging young players will help solve Blackburn Rovers’ embargo woes|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13126852.gary-bowyer-hopes-emerging-young-players-will-help-solve-blackburn-rovers-embargo-woes/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 June 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan: Blackburn Rovers may not have the quantity but we have the quality|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13373561.darragh-lenihan-blackburn-rovers-may-not-quantity-quality/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=7 July 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He made his first appearance of the season, starting a match, in a 2–1 loss against [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]] in the first round of the League Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2015/august/match-report--11082015/|title=Match Report : 11/08/2015|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 August 2015|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923202925/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2015/august/match-report--11082015/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Lenihan found himself out of the starting line–up, due to the partnership of [[Grant Hanley]] and [[Shane Duffy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Shane Duffy: I've got a fight on my hands to win a starting place at Blackburn Rovers|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13418481.shane-duffy-got-fight-hands-win-starting-place-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=15 July 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Partnership with Duffy will only get better, says Rovers captain Hanley|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13875360.partnership-shane-duffy-will-get-better-says-blackburn-rovers-captain-grant-hanley/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 October 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Grant Hanley: Stable back four key to Blackburn Rovers' defensive improvement|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13945132.grant-hanley-stable-back-four-key-blackburn-rovers-defensive-improvement/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 November 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He also sustained a back injury during Blackburn Rovers’ pre–season tour and had been a recurring problem in the first half of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=MATCH ANALYSIS & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Rochdale 2 Blackburn Rovers|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13489236.match-analysis-video-highlights-rochdale-2-blackburn-rovers-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 July 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers hopeful Doneil Henry and Corry Evans will be fit to face Rotherham United|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14134532.blackburn-rovers-hopeful-doneil-henry-corry-evans-will-fit-face-rotherham-united/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=9 December 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/january/lenihan-it-will-be-a-tough-physical-game-on-saturday/|title=Lenihan: It will be a tough, physical game on Saturday|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=7 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20200922091748/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/january/lenihan-it-will-be-a-tough-physical-game-on-saturday/|archive-date=22 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the sacking of Bowyer and the appointment of [[Paul Lambert]], he stated that Lenihan would not be loaned out and plan on using him in the first team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paul Lambert: Darragh Lenihan will not be leaving Blackburn Rovers on loan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14138576.paul-lambert-darragh-lenihan-will-not-leaving-blackburn-rovers-loan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 December 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> This proved to be true when he began playing in the defensive midfield position.<ref name="Lenihan Medal"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Tommy Spurr happy to continue playing centre-back for Blackburn Rovers|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13341880.tommy-spurr-happy-continue-playing-centre-back-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 June 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Paul Lambert believes Darragh Lenihan can become a Blackburn Rovers regular|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14209007.paul-lambert-believes-darragh-lenihan-can-become-blackburn-rovers-regular/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=16 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan hoping to shine in Blackburn Rovers' new-look midfield diamond|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14264650.darragh-lenihan-hoping-shine-blackburn-rovers-new-look-midfield-diamond/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 February 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='I think he’s getting better' - There's more to come from Darragh, insists Blackburn Rovers boss|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14376528.i-think-getting-better---come-darragh-insists-blackburn-rovers-boss/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Red mist, leader Lenihan and Groundhog Day: talking points from Blackburn Rovers’ reverse to Sheffield Wednesday|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14407767.red-mist-leader-lenihan-groundhog-day-talking-points-blackburn-rovers-reverse-sheffield-wednesday/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 April 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Despite starting once in the centre–back position, manager Lambert preferred Lenihan play in the defensive midfield position when he opted to sign [[Elliott Ward]] instead.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paul Lambert: Blackburn Rovers’ form gives me license to ring changes|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14181278.paul-lambert-blackburn-rovers-form-gives-license-ring-changes/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Paul Lambert praises role of subs after Blackburn Rovers snatch late QPR point|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14199801.paul-lambert-praises-role-subs-blackburn-rovers-snatch-late-qpr-point/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=13 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers boss aiming to sign centre-back after injury rules out Shane Duffy|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14205202.blackburn-rovers-boss-aiming-sign-centre-back-injury-rules-shane-duffy/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=14 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=FULL-TIME REPORT: Newport County 1 Blackburn Rovers 2|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14213138.full-time-report-newport-county-1-blackburn-rovers-2/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=COMMENT: Creative midfielder needs to be next on Blackburn Rovers' shopping list|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14218694.comment-creative-midfielder-needs-next-blackburn-rovers-shopping-list/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 January 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In a match against Middlesbrough on 6 February 2016, he set up the opening goal of the game, in a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite news|title=FULL-TIME REPORT: Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn Rovers 1|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14258992.full-time-report-middlesbrough-1-blackburn-rovers-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 February 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> After the match, both manager Lambert and the local newspaper ''[[Lancashire Evening Telegraph|Lancashire Telegraph]]'' praised his performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/february/delighted-with-darragh/|title=Delighted with Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=9 February 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804015843/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/february/delighted-with-darragh/|archive-date=4 August 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=PLAYER RATINGS: Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn Rovers 1|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14260769.player-ratings-middlesbrough-1-blackburn-rovers-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=8 February 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 26 February 2016, Lenihan signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him until 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/darragh-lenihan-new-deal-2975279.aspx|title=New deal delight for Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=26 February 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307141245/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/darragh-lenihan-new-deal-2975279.aspx|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In a match against [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] on 19 March 2016, his performance was praised, once again, by Lancashire Evening Telegraph, due to "covering every blade of grass and made more tackles and interceptions than any other player."<ref>{{cite news|title=PLAYER RATINGS: Brentford 0 Blackburn Rovers 1|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14372333.player-ratings-brentford-0-blackburn-rovers-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=PAUL WHEELOCK VERDICT: Brentford 0 Blackburn Rovers 1|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14371832.paul-wheelock-verdict-brentford-0-blackburn-rovers-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2015–16 season, Lenihan made twenty–seven appearances in all competitions. For his performance, he was nominated for the MBNA Northwest Football Awards.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers winger Ben Marshall nominated for Championship player-of-the-year prize|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14725105.blackburn-rovers-winger-ben-marshall-nominated-championship-player-of-the-year-prize/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 September 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
Lenihan continued to play in the defensive midfield position for Blackburn Rovers’ first five league matches of the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/july/big-season-for-darragh/|title=Big season for Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 July 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921072045/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/july/big-season-for-darragh/|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Simon Smith column: Time to get tough with the Blackburn Rovers players falling short|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14676136.simon-smith-column-time-get-tough-blackburn-rovers-players-falling-short/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Square pegs, round holes, own worst enemy and unwanted records: Wigan Athletic 3 Blackburn Rovers 0 talking points|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14681428.square-pegs-round-holes-worst-enemy-unwanted-records-wigan-athletic-3-blackburn-rovers-0-talking-points/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=14 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, he missed one match due to picking up five yellow cards.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers remain without trio for Wigan Athletic trip|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14677504.blackburn-rovers-remain-without-trio-wigan-athletic-trip/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers boss to freshen up starting line-up for EFL Cup tie|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14698700.blackburn-rovers-boss-freshen-starting-line-up-efl-cup-tie/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 August 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers players waiting in the wings told to follow Danny Guthrie's example|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14753013.blackburn-rovers-players-waiting-wings-told-follow-danny-guthries-example/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=20 September 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Lenihan made his return, coming on as a 75th minute substitute, in a 2–1 loss against [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] on 13 September 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/september/match-report--13092016/|title=Report: Leeds 2 Rovers 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=13 September 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813081324/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/september/match-report--13092016/|archive-date=13 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In a match against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] on 1 October 2016, he made a poor pass to the wing which led to the opposition team to score the only goal of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/october/match-report--01102016/|title=Report: Birmingham 1 Rovers 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814000810/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/october/match-report--01102016/|archive-date=14 August 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=The response, Lenihan’s learning curve, and the referee: Birmingham City 1 Blackburn Rovers 0 talking points|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14777351.response-lenihans-learning-curve-referee-birmingham-city-1-blackburn-rovers-0-talking-points/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=2 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Simon Smith column: Flailing Blackburn Rovers need to start playing youngsters with something to prove|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14784636.simon-smith-column-flailing-blackburn-rovers-need-start-playing-youngsters-something-prove/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Due to the injury of [[Wes Brown]] and [[Gordon Greer]], Lenihan began starting playing in the centre–back position and formed a partnership with [[Charlie Mulgrew]] and [[Tommie Hoban]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Jason Steele: Blackburn Rovers are going in the right direction|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14805208.jason-steele-blackburn-rovers-going-right-direction/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers boss hoping for clean bill of health as injury list grows|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14818918.blackburn-rovers-boss-hoping-clean-bill-health-injury-list-grows/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=24 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/october/darragh-gives-you-everything-hes-got/|title=Darragh gives you everything he's got|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=29 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813233323/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/october/darragh-gives-you-everything-hes-got/|archive-date=13 August 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Owen Coyle: Darragh Lenihan has a bright future at the back for Blackburn Rovers|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14845944.owen-coyle-darragh-lenihan-bright-future-back-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 November 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/november/flexibility-is-the-key/|title=Flexibility is the key|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=26 November 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20201107064853/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/november/flexibility-is-the-key/|archive-date=7 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> His no-nonsense approach to defending in the centre–back position proved to effective, as his partnership with Mulgrew against Brentford and [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] was praised by manager [[Owen Coyle]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Owen Coyle: Darragh Lenihan can be a rock at the back for Blackburn Rovers|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14820849.owen-coyle-darragh-lenihan-can-rock-back-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=25 October 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=UPDATED REPORT: Blackburn Rovers 3 Brentford 2|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14916221.updated-report-blackburn-rovers-3-brentford-2/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 November 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=First choice partnership, supersub & upsetting the odds: Newcastle United 0 Blackburn Rovers 1 talking points|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14930608.first-choice-partnership-supersub-upsetting-odds-newcastle-united-0-blackburn-rovers-1-talking-points/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=28 November 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=PLAYER RATINGS: Newcastle United 0 Blackburn Rovers 1|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14932751.player-ratings-newcastle-united-0-blackburn-rovers-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=28 November 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='They've been getting better by the week' - Owen Coyle praises Blackburn Rovers' centre-back partnership|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14936954.theyve-getting-better-week---owen-coyle-praises-blackburn-rovers-centre-back-partnership/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=30 November 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In a follow–up match, he made his 50th appearance for the club, in a 1–1 draw against [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] and was named Man of the Match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/delighted-for-darragh/|title=Delighted for Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=2 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516083527/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/delighted-for-darragh/|archive-date=16 May 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/match-report--03122016/|title=Report: Rovers 1 Huddersfield 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=3 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920111555/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/match-report--03122016/|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/darragh-delighted-to-reach-50-for-rovers/|title=Darragh delighted to reach 50 for Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=3 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20201024060438/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/darragh-delighted-to-reach-50-for-rovers/|archive-date=24 October 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title='If you’re good enough, you’ll get your chance' - Owen Coyle sends message to Blackburn Rovers youngsters|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14952645.if-good-enough-get-chance---owen-coyle-sends-message-blackburn-rovers-youngsters/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=8 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, Lenihan’s partnership with Mulgrew was short–lived due to shortage of defenders, and at one point, saw both players play in left–back and right–back positions respectively.<ref>{{cite news|title=Three talking points from Blackburn Rovers' midweek defeat to Brighton|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14966288.three-talking-points-blackburn-rovers-midweek-defeat-brighton/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=14 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Which area of the pitch do Blackburn Rovers need to strengthen the most?|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14968887.area-pitch-blackburn-rovers-need-strengthen/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=15 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Owen Coyle won't curb attacking intentions despite defensive unavailability|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14972800.owen-coyle-wont-curb-attacking-intentions-despite-defensive-unavailability/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan upbeat despite Blackburn Rovers giving themselves a mountain to climb again|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15040286.darragh-lenihan-upbeat-despite-blackburn-rovers-giving-mountain-climb/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 January 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Bench boost, Sam spares Rovers, filling in - Blackburn Rovers 1 QPR 0 Talking Points|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15071558.bench-boost-sam-spares-rovers-filling---blackburn-rovers-1-qpr-0-talking-points/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 February 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> To make matters worse when on 20 December 2016, he received a straight red card for a foul on [[Sam Morsy]], as Blackburn Rovers loss 2–0 against [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/match-report--26122016/|title=Report: Barnsley 2 Rovers 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=26 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413203154/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/match-report--26122016/|archive-date=13 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, manager Coyle believed that Lenihan was not a "malicious player" but warned him "not to let his frustrations get the better of him".<ref>{{cite news|title='He loves the club' - Blackburn Rovers boss warns Darragh Lenihan over 'red mist'|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14990248.he-loves-club---blackburn-rovers-boss-warns-darragh-lenihan-red-mist/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=28 December 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Following his return after a three match suspension, he returned to the starting line–up, reuniting his centre–back partnership with Mulgrew, against [[Ipswich Town F.C.|Ipswich Town]], as the club loss 3–2 on 14 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/january/match-report--14012017/|title=Report: Ipswich 3 Rovers 2|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=14 January 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508134256/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/january/match-report--14012017/|archive-date=8 May 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title='He took it like a man' - Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle on why he dropped Gordon Greer|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15028245.he-took-like-man---blackburn-rovers-boss-owen-coyle-dropped-gordon-greer/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 January 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, Lenihan suffered a groin injury but he quickly made a full recovery, in a 2–1 loss against [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/february/darragh-doubt-for-owls-clash/|title=Darragh doubt for Owls clash|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=13 February 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511104709/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/february/darragh-doubt-for-owls-clash/|archive-date=11 May 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/february/match-report--14022017/|title=Report: Sheff Wed 2 Rovers 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=14 February 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20210122190355/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/february/match-report--14022017/|archive-date=22 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the new management of [[Tony Mowbray]], he resumed the partnership of Lenihan and Mulgrew in the centre–back position, as Blackburn Rovers’ results improved through March.<ref>{{cite news|title="I think it’s a strong area for us" - Tony Mowbray on Blackburn Rovers' central defensive options as Elliott Ward and Tommie Hoban return from injury|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15130070.think-strong-area-us---tony-mowbray-blackburn-rovers-central-defensive-options-elliott-ward-tommie-hoban-return-injury/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 March 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/march/lenihan-eager-to-keep-improving/|title=Lenihan eager to keep improving|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=23 March 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930144335/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/march/lenihan-eager-to-keep-improving/|archive-date=30 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title="To have him alongside me is great" - Charlie Mulgrew praises fellow Blackburn Rovers central defender Darragh Lenihan|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15186608.alongside-great---charlie-mulgrew-praises-fellow-blackburn-rovers-central-defender-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=29 March 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However in a match against [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] on 4 April 2017, Lenihan suffered a groin injury and was substituted at half time, as the club loss 3–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/april/report-reading-3-rovers-1/|title=Report: Reading 3 Rovers 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=4 April 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20201021165833/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/april/report-reading-3-rovers-1/|archive-date=21 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> This saw him miss three matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/april/double-injury-blow-for-rovers/|title=Double injury blow for Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=4 April 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513161505/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/april/double-injury-blow-for-rovers/|archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> But on 22 April 2017, he made his return to the starting line–up for Blackburn Rovers and helped kept a clean sheet, in a 0–0 draw against [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lenihan, Mulgrew and Graham could hand Tony Mowbray an injury boost ahead of Rovers' remaining games|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15230245.lenihan-mulgrew-graham-hand-tony-mowbray-injury-boost-ahead-rovers-remaining-games/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 April 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/april/report-wolves-0-rovers-0/|title=Report: Wolves 0 Rovers 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=22 April 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919031441/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/april/report-wolves-0-rovers-0/|archive-date=19 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite an improvement in form that offered some hope of survival, Lenihan started the match, in a 3–1 win against [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]], but other results went against them and they were relegated to [[EFL League One|League One]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Lenihan calls on Rovers to finish with a flourish|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15245380.lenihan-calls-rovers-finish-flourish/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 April 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39760414|title=Brentford 1–3 Blackburn Rovers|website=BBC Sport|date=7 May 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/07/brentford-blackburn-rovers-championship-match-report|title=Blackburn relegated to League One despite winning at Brentford|first=Paul|last=Doyle|date=7 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Despite Blackburn Rovers’ relegation, he and Mulgrew were praised by manager Mowbray for their performance, describing the pair as “giving the club confidence that they have a solid base to build from“.<ref>{{cite news|title='They give us a solid base to build from' - Tony Mowbray praises influence of returning pair Mulgrew and Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15266370.they-give-us-solid-base-build-from---tony-mowbray-praises-influence-returning-pair-mulgrew-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 May 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2016–17 season, he made forty–four appearances in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Lenihan was linked with a move to [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]] had two bids rejected for him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan attracting interest from Championship clubs but Rovers yet to receive any bids for the defender|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15302238.darragh-lenihan-attracting-interest-championship-clubs-rovers-yet-receive-bids-defender/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 May 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers reject two bids from Sheffield United for defender Darragh Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15389060.blackburn-rovers-reject-two-bids-sheffield-united-defender-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=4 July 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Sheffield United boss refuses to be drawn on speculation surrounding Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15420057.sheffield-united-boss-refuses-drawn-speculation-surrounding-rovers-defender-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 July 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Manager Mowbray said he was determined to keep the player, which he did.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray determined to keep hold of Darragh Lenihan after Rovers rejected two bids from Sheffield United|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15402133.tony-mowbray-determined-keep-hold-darragh-lenihan-rovers-rejected-two-bids-sheffield-united/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 July 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='We don’t have to sell' - Tony Mowbray says Rovers will stand strong in the face of interest in their key players|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15428834.we-dont-sell---tony-mowbray-says-rovers-will-stand-strong-face-interest-key-players/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=24 July 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers hopeful Charlie Mulgrew and Darragh Lenihan will be fit for Southend United trip and insist the pair are not for sale|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15441780.rovers-hopeful-charlie-mulgrew-darragh-lenihan-will-fit-southend-united-trip-insist-pair-not-sale/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=29 July 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, Lenihan fractured a foot injury during a 2–1 loss against [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] in the opening game of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/august/too-early-to-tell/|title=Too early to tell|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=6 August 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929172856/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/august/too-early-to-tell/|archive-date=29 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a scan, he was eventually out until February, which impacted most of his [[2017–18 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season|2017–18 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/august/positive-news-on-injured-pair/|title=Positive news on injured pair|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=7 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001033354/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/august/positive-news-on-injured-pair/|archive-date=1 October 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/september/injury-blow-for-darragh/|title=Injury blow for Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=3 September 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912040551/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/september/injury-blow-for-darragh/|archive-date=12 September 2017|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/september/three-month-absence-for-lenihan/|title=Three month absence expected for Lenihan|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=15 September 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806061930/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/september/three-month-absence-for-lenihan/|archive-date=6 August 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/october/lenihan-injury-update/|title=Injury update on Darragh Lenihan|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 October 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402163652/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/october/lenihan-injury-update/|archive-date=2 April 2018|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/november/tony-on-darragh-progress2/|title=We'll wait for Darragh, says Mowbray|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=28 November 2017|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921184215/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2017/november/tony-on-darragh-progress2/|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Since returning to training in December, Lenihan spent two months, making progress on recovering from his injury in order to maintain his fitness.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray won't rush the comeback of Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15725242.tony-mowbray-wont-rush-comeback-rovers-defender-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=12 December 2017|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/january/darragh-close-to-the-home-straight/|title=Darragh closing in on the home straight|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=5 January 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925160953/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/january/darragh-close-to-the-home-straight/|archive-date=25 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/january/tonys-team-news-update2/|title=Options unavailable to Mowbray this weekend|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 January 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804111645/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/january/tonys-team-news-update2/|archive-date=4 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He played two times for Blackburn Rovers’ reserve team in order to maintain his fitness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/february/report-fulham-u23s-0-rovers-u23s-1/|title=Report: Fulham U23s 0 Rovers U23s 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=3 February 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930093154/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/february/report-fulham-u23s-0-rovers-u23s-1/|archive-date=30 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/february/report-rovers-u23s-v-reading-u23s/|title=Report: Rovers U23s 2 Reading U23s 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=9 February 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923104203/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/february/report-rovers-u23s-v-reading-u23s/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 February 2018, Lenihan made his first team return from injury, coming on as a 55th minute substitute, in a 2–1 win against Portsmouth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/february/report-portsmouth-a/|title=Report: Portsmouth 1 Rovers 2|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=13 February 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922175727/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/february/report-portsmouth-a/|archive-date=22 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his return from injury, he started in the next five matches, reforming a centre–back partnership with Mulgrew.<ref>{{cite news|title='I’m sure Darragh will be fine' - Rovers boss not concerned by Lenihan's fitness after injury return|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16042120.im-sure-darragh-will-fine---rovers-boss-not-concerned-lenihans-fitness-injury-return/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 February 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='It is a credit to him' - Tony Mowbray praises Darragh Lenihan for his seamless return to action|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16062522.it-credit-him---tony-mowbray-praises-darragh-lenihan-seamless-return-action/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 March 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers skipper Charlie Mulgrew on the return of Darragh Lenihan and contribution of Paul Downing|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16068022.rovers-skipper-charlie-mulgrew-return-darragh-lenihan-contribution-paul-downing/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 March 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, his return was short–lived when Lenihan suffered a back injury and was substituted in the 30th minute, as the club won 2–0 against [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] on 29 March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/march/report-bradford-h/|title=Report: Rovers 2 Bradford City 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=29 March 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919033513/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/march/report-bradford-h/|archive-date=19 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing two matches with a back injury, he made his return to the starting line–up, in a 1–0 win against [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]] on 10 April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/april/darragh-should-be-fine-for-dons-trip/|title=Darragh should be fine for Dons trip|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 April 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401231750/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/april/darragh-should-be-fine-for-dons-trip/|archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/april/report-gillingham-a/|title=Report: Gillingham 0 Rovers 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=10 April 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928124614/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/april/report-gillingham-a/|archive-date=28 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Lenihan started the match against [[Doncaster Rovers F.C.|Doncaster Rovers]] on 24 April 2018 and kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 away win, which saw the club secure an immediate return to the Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Doncaster Rovers 0–1 Blackburn Rovers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43792160|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 April 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/april/darragh-our-support-has-been-simply-outstanding/|title=Darragh: Our supporters have been outstanding|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=26 April 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924174004/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/april/darragh-our-support-has-been-simply-outstanding/|archive-date=24 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On the last game of the season, he scored his first goal for Blackburn Rovers, scoring an opener header, in a 2–1 win against [[Oxford United F.C.|Oxford United]].<ref>{{cite news|title=FULL TIME: Rovers 2 Oxford 1|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16207667.full-time-rovers-2-oxford-1/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 May 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2017–18 season, Lenihan made sixteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers season player ratings: Goalkeepers and defenders|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16251701.rovers-season-player-ratings-goalkeepers-defenders/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 May 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
On 3 July 2018, Lenihan signed a contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, keeping him until 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/july/new-deal-for-darragh/|title=New deal for Darragh!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=3 July 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703133730/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/july/new-deal-for-darragh/|archive-date=3 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> He stated the club is "better equipped this time" on their return to the Championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers better equipped to deal with Championship test - Lenihan|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16298760.rovers-better-equipped-deal-championship-test---lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 June 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In the opening game of the season, Lenihan started the match and helped Blackburn Rovers drew 2–2 against Ipswich Town.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/report-ipswich-town-a/|title=Report: Ipswich Town 2 Rovers 2|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=4 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923100043/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/report-ipswich-town-a/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, both the Lancashire Telegraph and Mowbray praised his performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ipswich Town 2 Blackburn Rovers 2: PLAYER RATINGS|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16399045.ipswich-town-2-blackburn-rovers-2-player-ratings/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Ipswich Town 2 Blackburn Rovers 2: TALKING POINTS|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16401559.ipswich-town-2-blackburn-rovers-2-talking-points/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Mowbray praises Lenihan and discusses Ipswich draw positives|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16401449.mowbray-praises-lenihan-discusses-ipswich-draw-positives/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=7 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He then helped the club go on unbeaten start in the first month of the season, including keeping three clean sheets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/report-millwall-h/|title=Report: Rovers 0 Millwall 0|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921145118/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/report-millwall-h/|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/report-hull-city-a/|title=Report: Hull City 0 Rovers 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923162913/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/report-hull-city-a/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 1 Brentford 0: MATCH REPORT|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16599401.blackburn-rovers-1-brentford-0-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=25 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/our-defensive-unit-looks-so-strong/|title=Our defensive unit looks so strong|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=26 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922141414/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/august/our-defensive-unit-looks-so-strong/|archive-date=22 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the start of the season, Lenihan regained his first team place in a centre–back position, forming a partnership with Mulgrew for the third time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers widen their search in pursuit of new defender|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16385616.rovers-widen-search-pursuit-new-defender/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 July 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Derby County 0 Blackburn Rovers 0: PLAYER RATINGS|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16888519.derby-county-0-blackburn-rovers-0-player-ratings/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 September 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/october/darragh-in-dreamland/|title=Darragh in dreamland|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=21 October 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923132236/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/october/darragh-in-dreamland/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Lenihan hopes Rovers form can boost Republic of Ireland chances|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17222253.lenihan-hopes-rovers-form-can-boost-ireland-chances/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=14 November 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Jack of all trades has impressed Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17386137.jack-trades-impressed-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 January 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He then scored his first goal of the season, scoring from a header, which turned out to be a winning goal, in a 2–1 win against [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] on 20 October 2018 (he described this as his favourite goal for Blackburn Rovers).<ref name="Lenihan Leeds">{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/asklenihan---part-1/|title=#AskLenihan - Part 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411070631/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/asklenihan---part-1/|archive-date=11 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 2 Leeds United 1: MATCH REPORT|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16996731.blackburn-rovers-2-leeds-united-1-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=20 October 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In a follow–up match against [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]], Lenihan suffered a hip injury and was substituted in the 11th minute, in a 3–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/october/report-swansea-city-a/|title=Report: Swansea City 3 Rovers 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=23 October 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902161915/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/october/report-swansea-city-a/|archive-date=2 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing one match, he returned to the starting line–up against [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] on 3 November 2018 and helped the club kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win, which saw him named Man of the Match by the Lancashire Telegraph.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/october/darragh-should-be-fine-to-return/|title=Darragh should be fine for Baggies trip|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 October 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919184205/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/october/darragh-should-be-fine-to-return/|archive-date=19 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers 1 QPR: Bradley Dack's penalty settles a tight game|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17199635.blackburn-rovers-1-qpr-0-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 November 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers 1 QPR 0: Lenihan stars alongside partner Williams|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17200130.blackburn-rovers-1-qpr-0-player-ratings/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 November 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, his return was short–lived when Lenihan suffered another hip injury that saw him out for three matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/november/darragh-a-doubt/|title=Darragh a doubt...|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=29 November 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929195135/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/november/darragh-a-doubt/|archive-date=29 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his return from injury, starting a match, in a 2–2 draw against Birmingham City on 15 December 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/december/report-birmingham-city-h/|title=Report: Rovers 2 Birmingham City 2|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=15 December 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926183601/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/december/report-birmingham-city-h/|archive-date=26 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Lenihan scored his second goal of the season, in a 4–2 loss against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in the FA Cup third round replay.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/january/report-newcastle-united-h/|title=Report: Rovers 2 Newcastle United 4 (AET)|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=15 January 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919010731/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/january/report-newcastle-united-h/|archive-date=19 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He helped the club kept three consecutive clean sheets between 12 January 2019 and 26 January 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Match Report: Late show from Rovers wins the day at Millwall|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17354160.millwall-0-blackburn-rovers-2-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=12 January 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Match report: Rovers make it three on the spin against Ipswich|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17370831.blackburn-rovers-2-ipswich-town-0-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 January 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=FULL TIME: Rovers 3 Hull City 0|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17387671.full-time-rovers-3-hull-city-0/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 January 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, Lenihan suffered a knee injury that saw him out for a month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/february/wait-and-see-with-injured-quartet/|title=Wait and see with injured quartet|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=4 February 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919162636/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/february/wait-and-see-with-injured-quartet/|archive-date=19 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/february/darraghs-our-only-absentee/|title=Darragh's our only absentee|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=7 February 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924023410/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/february/darraghs-our-only-absentee/|archive-date=24 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Character, not formations, the biggest concern for Mowbray|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17475257.rovers-boss-mowbray-wants-side-show-character/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=4 March 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> It wasn’t until on 30 March 2019 when he made his return to the starting line–up, in a 2–1 loss against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]].<ref>{{cite news|title=A lot resting on Lenihan - and other Rovers talking points|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17507092.lot-resting-lenihan---rovers-talking-points/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 March 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/march/report-aston-villa-a/|title=Report: Aston Villa 2 Rovers 1|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=30 March 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923044605/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/march/report-aston-villa-a/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Returning Lenihan says Rovers still have a lot to play for|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17540848.returning-lenihan-says-rovers-still-lot-play/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Following his return from injury, Lenihan regained his first team place in a centre–back position with [[Derrick Williams (footballer)|Derrick Williams]] for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title='A crucial period in Dack's career, and Reed's Prem pedigree'|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17563058.dack-reed-style---rovers-talking-points-derby-win/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='It's not about me, it's about the team' - Graham after 150th goal|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17573645.its-not-team---graham-150th-goal/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=15 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers boss on Lenihan return and attacking threat|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17588315.rovers-boss-lenihan-return-attacking-threat/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> After the absence of Mulgrew and [[Elliott Bennett]], he captained the club for the first time in his career and helped Blackburn Rovers kept a clean sheet under his leadership throughout the match, in a 2–0 win against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] on 22 April 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lenihan's leadership shining through in Mulgrew absence|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17584840.dominant-darragh-lenihan-becoming-leader-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Report: Pre-season feel, but Rovers make it a fab four|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17590153.blackburn-rovers-2-bolton-wanderers-0-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/april/darragh-proud-to-captain-rovers/|title=Darragh "proud" to captain Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927074915/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/april/darragh-proud-to-captain-rovers/|archive-date=27 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, local newspaper [[Lancashire Evening Telegraph|Lancashire Telegraph]] believed that Lenihan has the potential to be a captain on a "long-term" for the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Darragh Lenihan Rovers' long-term captain in waiting?|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17593430.darragh-lenihan-rovers-long-term-captain-waiting/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=24 April 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On the last game of the season, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–2 draw against Swansea City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Swansea City: Bradley Dack equalises at Ewood Park|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48081781|website=BBC Sport|date=5 May 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2018–19 season, Lenihan made thirty–eight appearances and scoring three times in all competitions. For his performance, he awarded Peter Jackson the Jeweller Man of the Match award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/april/graham-nets-player-of-the-year-award/|title=Graham nets Player of the Year award!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 May 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501193254/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/april/graham-nets-player-of-the-year-award/|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Local newspaper [[Lancashire Evening Telegraph|Lancashire Telegraph]] praised Lenihan, describing him as the "importance to Blackburn Rovers" and showing his maturity that has the potential to be the future captain.<ref>{{cite news|title=How the Rovers goalkeepers and defenders rated this season|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17630084.rovers-season-ratings-goalkeepers-defenders/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 May 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
Lenihan appeared in the opening game of the 2019–20 season before missing out with knee injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=More opening day woes as Rovers beaten at home by Charlton|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17814366.blackburn-rovers-1-charlton-athletic-2-match-report/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Lenihan and Nyambe ruled out as Rovers make three changes|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17829206.injury-hits-rovers-make-three-changes-fulham/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/good-news-on-the-injury-front/|title=Good news on the injury front|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=15 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814060047/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/good-news-on-the-injury-front/|archive-date=14 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing two matches, he returned to the starting line–up against Middlesbrough on 17 August 2019 and helped Blackburn Rovers kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-middlesbrough-h/|title=Report: Rovers 1-0 Middlesbrough|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=19 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918180747/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-middlesbrough-h/|archive-date=18 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=A prospering partnership & no trademark celebration|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17844299.prospering-partnership-delivering-goods-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Lenihan followed up by keeping two clean sheets in the next two league matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-hull-city-a/|title=Report: Hull City 0-1 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=20 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924221033/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-hull-city-a/|archive-date=24 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Mowbray on defensive pairing & where Rovers must improve|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17850790.mowbray-defensive-pairing-rovers-must-improve/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-cardiff-city-h/|title=Report: Rovers 0-0 Cardiff City|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=24 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920020145/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/august/report-cardiff-city-h/|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After his return from injury, he regained his first team place in a centre–back position, forming a partnership with Williams for the next two months following the departure of Mulgrew.<ref>{{cite news|title='If you’re not improving teams will catch up and move past you'|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17655109.lenihan-ready-embrace-defensive-competition-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 May 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Who’s a certain starter and what places are up for grabs?|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17804965.rovers-team-expected-start-opening-day/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=31 July 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray liking look of Darragh Lenihan-Derrick Williams partnership|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17855463.tony-mowbray-liking-look-lenihan-williams-partnership/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Three talking points as Rovers return to Championship action|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17894650.three-talking-points-rovers-return-championship-action/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 September 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='Not enough' - Mowbray on lacking leaders & defensive issues|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18007402.not-enough---mowbray-lacking-leaders-defensive-issues/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 November 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Lenihan made his 150th appearance in his professional football career against Millwall on 14 September 2019 and set up the second goal of the game, in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/september/report-millwall-h/|title=Report: Rovers 2-0 Millwall|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=14 September 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919122811/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/september/report-millwall-h/|archive-date=19 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Consistency is key to push Rovers forward, says Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17908897.consistency-key-push-rovers-forward-says-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 September 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However during a 4–2 loss against Queens Park Rangers on 5 October 2019, he was limped off with an injury and was substituted in the 67th minute.<ref>{{cite news|title="You can't lose the goals we did": Rovers boss Tony Mowbray on QPR defeat|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17949554.tony-mowbray-reacts-blackburn-rovers-defeat-qpr/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 October 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> After a scan, it was revealed that Lenihan suffered a knee injury and was out for a month.<ref>{{cite news|title=Anxious wait for Rovers on scans of injured defensive pair|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17952627.anxious-wait-rovers-scans-injured-defensive-pair/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=8 October 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers reveal extent of Darragh Lenihan's injury plus Cunningham update|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/17962812.rovers-reveal-extent-injury-defender-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 October 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> It wasn’t until on 23 November 2019 when he returned to the starting line–up, in a 3–2 win against Barnsley.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/november/report-barnsley-h/|title=Report: Rovers 3-2 Barnsley|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=23 November 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511111114/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/november/report-barnsley-h/|archive-date=11 May 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/november/darragh-desperate-to-deliver-the-goods/|title=Darragh desperate to deliver the goods|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 November 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922100030/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/november/darragh-desperate-to-deliver-the-goods/|archive-date=22 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title='We'll be striving' - Lenihan calls for better organisation|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18062027.well-striving---lenihan-calls-better-organisation/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 November 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Following this, Lenihan regained his first team place in a centre–back position, forming a partnership with [[Tosin Adarabioyo]].<ref>{{cite news|title=A rare three wins in seven days & a promising partnership|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18072079.rare-three-wins-seven-days-promising-partnership/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 December 2009|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/december/a-blossoming-partnership/|title=A blossoming partnership|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=2 December 2019|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008205420/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/december/a-blossoming-partnership/|archive-date=8 October 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=The Lenihan effect: Stats highlight defender's importance|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18076205.stats-highlight-defenders-importance-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 December 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Lenihan & Adarabioyo pairing has 'set a benchmark' for Rovers|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18088726.lenihan-adarabioyo-pairing-set-benchmark-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=9 December 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=A top six pairing & no side will relish an Ewood trip|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18195052.rovers-top-six-pairing-home-record-fear/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=29 January 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He was also given the captaincy in the absence of Bennett and Williams for the next three months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/november/report-brentford-h/|title=Report: Rovers 1-0 Brentford|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=27 November 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513155947/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/november/report-brentford-h/|archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=How Bennett has maintained leadership role in dressing room|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18074985.they-react-him---elliott-bennett-still-driving-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 December 2019|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/december/leading-by-example/|title=Leading by example|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=23 December 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121155618/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/december/leading-by-example/|archive-date=21 January 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Influential Lenihan 'only getting stronger' says Mowbray|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18325664.influential-lenihan-only-getting-stronger-says-mowbray/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 March 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Lenihan welcomes responsibility and targets Ireland call|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18382094.lenihan-welcomes-responsibility-targets-ireland-call/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=16 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="Lenihan Leeds"/> Lenihan scored on his 150th appearance for Blackburn Rovers, in a 5–0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on 18 January 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/the-aims-the-same-for-darragh/|title=The aim's the same for Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=17 January 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129142654/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/the-aims-the-same-for-darragh/|archive-date=29 November 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/never-too-high-and-never-too-low/|title=Never too high and never too low|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 January 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412161044/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/never-too-high-and-never-too-low/|archive-date=12 April 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/report-sheffield-wednesday-a/|title=Report: Sheffield Wednesday 0-5 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 January 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026235437/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/report-sheffield-wednesday-a/|archive-date=26 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In a follow–up match against Queens Park Rangers, he scored the second goal of the game from a header, in a 2–1 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/report-queens-park-rangers-h/|title=Report: Rovers 2-1 Queens Park Rangers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=28 January 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921193351/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/january/report-queens-park-rangers-h/|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Two weeks later on 11 February 2020, Lenihan scored his third goal of the season, in a 3–0 win against [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/february/report-hull-city-h/|title=Report: Rovers 3-0 Hull City|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 February 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928190433/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/february/report-hull-city-h/|archive-date=28 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title='Defenders are coming' - How Rovers have improved defensively|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18229164.defenders-coming---rovers-improved-defensively/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=12 February 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, he missed two matches due to picking up ten yellow cards so far this season before the season was suspended because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]] in March.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mowbray on Rovers' defensive options as Lenihan faces ban|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18264264.mowbray-rovers-defensive-options-lenihan-faces-ban/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 February 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/darragh-keeping-tabs-on-latest-updates/|title=Darragh keeping tabs on developments|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=17 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926214042/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/darragh-keeping-tabs-on-latest-updates/|archive-date=26 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> During the suspension, Lenihan agreed to a wage deferrals alongside with his teammates.<ref>{{cite news|title=How Rovers agreed wage deferrals & avoided ‘financial war’|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18420892.rovers-agreed-wage-deferrals-avoided-financial-war/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 May 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> With the competition later resuming behind closed doors, he started in the match against [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] on 20 June 2020 and set up the third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 3–1 Bristol City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51779309|website=BBC Sport|date=20 June 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Following this, Lenihan continued to form a centre–back partnership with Tosin Adarabioyo, as well as, his captain duty.<ref>{{cite news|title=Talking Points: Rule changes, new formation & key partnerships|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18531654.two-partnerships-will-key-rovers-play-off-hopes/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 June 2024|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/report-cardiff-city-a/|title=Report: Cardiff City 2-3 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=7 July 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030080625/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/report-cardiff-city-a/|archive-date=30 October 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/report-west-bromwich-albion-h/|title=Report: Rovers 1-1 West Bromwich Albion|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 July 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030104532/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/report-west-bromwich-albion-h/|archive-date=30 October 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Report: Rovers edge out Reading in seven-goal thriller|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18592181.report-rovers-edge-reading-seven-goal-thriller/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 July 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/report-luton-town-a/|title=Report: Luton Town 3-2 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=22 July 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923070130/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/report-luton-town-a/|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the 2019–20 season, he made thirty–nine appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
At the start of the [[2020–21 Blackburn Rovers F.C. season|2020-21 season]], Lenihan regularly captained Blackburn Rovers following the absence of Bennett.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/august/report-doncaster-rovers-cc-h/|title=Report: Rovers 3-2 Doncaster Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=20 September 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920101821/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/august/report-doncaster-rovers-cc-h/|archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=The defensive decisions facing Mowbray after Leicester draw|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18700346.defensive-decisions-facing-mowbray-leicester-draw/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 September 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Bennett demonstrating captaincy qualities with hotel visit|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18817978.bennett-demonstrating-captaincy-qualities-hotel-visit/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 October 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=A year like no other? Not really for Blackburn Rovers|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18976210.year-like-no-not-really-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=30 December 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Two Rovers players isolating as Mowbray reveals injury blow|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18983352.two-rovers-players-isolating-mowbray-reveals-injury-blow/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=4 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, he suffered a knee injury that kept him out for three weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/october/lenihan-withdraws-from-ireland-squad/|title=Lenihan withdraws from Ireland squad|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=3 October 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029140959/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/october/lenihan-withdraws-from-ireland-squad/|archive-date=29 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 October 2020, Lenihan returned to the starting line–up from injury as captain, in a 1–0 loss against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/october/report-nottingham-forest-h/|title=Report: Rovers 0-1 Nottingham Forest|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=17 October 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028171444/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/october/report-nottingham-forest-h/|archive-date=28 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his return from injury, he continued to form a centre–back partnership with Williams until the latter suffered an injury and his eventually departure from the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray gives update on the future of Rovers defender|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18711067.tony-mowbray-gives-update-future-rovers-defender/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 September 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers talking points with Brereton on the goal hunt|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18752387.rovers-talking-points-brereton-goal-hunt/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=28 September 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Could it become Williams & one other at the back for Rovers?|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18820554.become-williams-one-back-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=25 October 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref name="Williams Lenihan">{{cite news|title=Mowbray says who partners Lenihan 'pretty straightforward'|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18937418.mowbray-says-partners-lenihan-pretty-straightforward/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> This lasted until Lenihan received a second bookable offence, in a 2–2 draw against Brentford on 5 December 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/december/report-brentford-a/|title=Report: Brentford 2-2 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=5 December 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205172421/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/december/report-brentford-a/|archive-date=5 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After serving a one match suspension, he returned to the starting line–up from injury as captain, in a 2–1 loss against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] on 12 December 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/december/report-norwich-city-h/|title=Report: Rovers 1-2 Norwich City|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=12 December 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212171922/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/december/report-norwich-city-h/|archive-date=12 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the injury of Williams, Lenihan spent the remainder of the first half of the season, forming a centre–back partnership with [[Daniel Ayala]], [[Scott Wharton]] and [[Bradley Johnson]].<ref name="Williams Lenihan"/><ref>{{cite news|title=The 'massive difference' Rovers have sensed in Scott Wharton|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18892871.massive-difference-rovers-sensed-scott-wharton/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=24 November 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='Improvements' - Mowbray says pitch not helping Rovers'cause|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18950311.improvements---mowbray-says-pitch-not-helping-roverscause/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 December 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=The selection decisions facing Rovers ahead of 2021 opener|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18981221.selection-decisions-facing-rovers-ahead-2021-opener/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Two Rovers players isolating as Mowbray reveals injury blow|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18983352.two-rovers-players-isolating-mowbray-reveals-injury-blow/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=4 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Defensive balancing act as Rovers weigh up new additions|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19319262.defensive-balancing-act-rovers-weigh-new-additions/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 May 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In a match against [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]] on 30 January 2021, he helped Blackburn Rovers kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 win and was named Team of the Week by the [[English Football League]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers leave it late to claim vital three points against Luton|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19052066.rovers-leave-late-claim-vital-three-points-luton/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=30 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/january/lenihan-and-chapman-named-in-the-efls-team-of-the-week/|title=Lenihan and Chapman named in the EFL's Team of the Week!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=31 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301095222/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/january/lenihan-and-chapman-named-in-the-efls-team-of-the-week/|archive-date=1 March 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers player ratings as defensive unit shine against Luton|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19052312.rovers-player-ratings-defensive-unit-shine-luton/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=31 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However, Lenihan then missed two matches due to a rib injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers' injury concerns over Gallagher, Lenihan & Naymbe|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19106432.rovers-injury-concerns-gallagher-lenihan-naymbe/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 February 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 27 February 2021, he returned to the starting line–up from injury as captain, in a 1–1 draw against [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers end losing run with a laboured draw against Coventry|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19123745.rovers-end-losing-run-laboured-draw-coventry/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 February 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Lenihan spent the second half of the season, forming a centre–back partnership with [[Jarrad Branthwaite]] and [[Taylor Harwood-Bellis]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers fans left fearing another long run to the finish|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19017407.rovers-fans-left-fearing-another-long-run-finish/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Quietly & not always convincingly Rovers are staying in touch|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19052300.quietly-not-always-convincingly-rovers-staying-touch/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=31 January 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Mowbray reveals how Rovers reached a transfer compromise|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19066795.mowbray-reveals-rovers-reached-transfer-compromise/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 February 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Jarrad Branthwaite welcomes competition of Man City defender|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19084337.jarrad-branthwaite-welcomes-competition-man-city-defender/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 February 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray delivers Daniel Ayala fitness latest|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19233280.tony-mowbray-delivers-daniel-ayala-fitness-latest/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=15 April 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He then made his 200th league appearance for the club, in a 1–0 loss against Brentford on 12 March 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/march/darragh-set-for-milestone-match/|title=Darragh set for milestone match|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=12 March 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312103055/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/march/darragh-set-for-milestone-match/|archive-date=12 March 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/march/report-brentford-h/|title=Report: Rovers 0-1 Brentford|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=12 March 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312231325/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/march/report-brentford-h/|archive-date=12 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Lenihan suffered a groin injury that saw him out for one match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/april/well-decide-on-darragh/|title=Decision to make with Darragh|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=19 April 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513210857/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/april/well-decide-on-darragh/|archive-date=13 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this, he was able to return and start the remaining four more league matches.<ref>{{cite news|title=Report: Adam Armstrong scores hat-trick as Rovers run riot|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19257034.report-adam-armstrong-scores-hat-trick-rovers-run-riot/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=24 April 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/may/report-rotherham-united-a/|title=Report: Rotherham United 1-1 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 May 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501164957/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/may/report-rotherham-united-a/|archive-date=1 May 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Adam Armstrong show Premier League potential with another hat-trick|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19288830.adam-armstrong-show-premier-league-potential-another-hat-trick/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=8 May 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2020–21 season, Lenihan made forty–four appearances in all competitions.
Ahead of the 2021–22 season, Lenihan was officially given the captaincy by Blackburn Rovers following the departure of Elliott.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers' captaincy contenders after Elliott Bennett exit|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19399018.blackburn-rovers-captaincy-contenders-elliott-bennett-exit/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 June 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=The aims for each Blackburn Rovers player next season|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19401397.aims-blackburn-rovers-player-next-season/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 June 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers squad numbers for 2021/22 season|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19495790.blackburn-rovers-squad-numbers-2021-22-season/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 August 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He scored his first goal of the season, which turned out to be a winning goal, in a 2–1 win against Nottingham Forest on 18 August 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/august/Report-Nottingham-Forest-1-2-Rovers/|title=Report: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 August 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818230121/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/august/Report-Nottingham-Forest-1-2-Rovers/|archive-date=18 August 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Lenihan’s leadership as captain was praised by manager Mowbray, due to "showing leadership and keeping the group of player solidified".<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray praises Blackburn Rovers' team spirit after strong start|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19528232.tony-mowbray-praises-blackburn-rovers-team-spirit-strong-start/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 August 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers boss backs John Buckley in unfamiliar role|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19684487.blackburn-rovers-boss-backs-john-buckley-unfamiliar-role/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray hails captain Lenihan in Blackburn Rovers run|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19742764.tony-mowbray-hails-captain-lenihan-blackburn-rovers-run/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers must keep their squad together in January|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19763031.blackburn-rovers-must-keep-squad-together-january/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> During a 2–2 draw against Luton Town on 11 September 2021, he made a heavy challenge tackle on [[Allan Campbell (footballer)|Allan Campbell]] that saw him substituted and was given a yellow card as a result.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Luton Town: Luke Berry scores 98th-minute equaliser for Hatters|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58444599|website=BBC Sport|date=11 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> After the match, the decision to give Lenihan a yellow card received criticism from [[Jobi McAnuff]] and the opposition team manager [[Nathan Jones (Welsh footballer)|Nathan Jones]], while manager Mowbray defended the player.<ref>{{cite news|title=EFL pundit McAnuff labels Lenihan's 'horrendous' challenge on Town midfielder Campbell ‘as bad a tackle as you’re going to see this season’|url=https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/efl-pundit-mcanuff-labels-lenihans-horrendous-challenge-on-town-midfielder-campbell-as-bad-a-tackle-as-youre-going-to-see-this-season-3381093|website=The Luton Town|date=13 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers boss brands Luton Town draw 'a farce'|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19574897.blackburn-rovers-boss-brands-luton-town-draw-a-farce/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Luton boss hits out at Blackburn Rovers captain’s ‘terrible challenge’|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19575155.luton-boss-hits-blackburn-rovers-captains-terrible-challenge/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=12 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Campbell later stated that he hadn’t received an apology from Lenihan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Allan Campbell relives Luton horror tackle that could have ended English dream early and reveals he's had no apology|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/allan-campbell-relives-horror-tackle-25445267|website=Daily Record|date=11 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However during a 5–1 win against [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] on 25 September 2021, he suffered a groin injury and was substituted in the 56th minute.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ben Brereton hits hat-trick as Blackburn Rovers thrash Cardiff City|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19605437.ben-brereton-hits-hat-trick-blackburn-rovers-thrash-cardiff-city/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=25 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray explains substituion of Blackburn Rovers captain|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19605504.tony-mowbray-explains-substituion-blackburn-rovers-captain/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/september/Mowbray-to-check-on-Rovers-duo-ahead-of-Terriers-test/|title=Mowbray to check on Rovers duo ahead of Terriers test|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=27 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20210927103723/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/september/Mowbray-to-check-on-Rovers-duo-ahead-of-Terriers-test/|archive-date=27 September 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing two matches, Lenihan returned to the starting line–up from injury as captain, in a 2–2 draw against Coventry City on 16 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/october/16/report--rovers---coventry-city/|title=Report: Rovers 2-2 Coventry City|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=16 October 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016165025/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/october/16/report--rovers---coventry-city/|archive-date=16 October 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his return from injury, he was included two consecutive times in the Team of the Week by the English Football League between 23 October 2021 and 31 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/october/25/rovers-quartet-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-team-of-the-week-/|title=Rovers quartet named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 October 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828091710/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/october/25/rovers-quartet-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-team-of-the-week-/|archive-date=28 August 2024|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/01/rovers-pair-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-team-of-the-week-/|title=Rovers pair named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Week!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101113201/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/01/rovers-pair-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-team-of-the-week-/|archive-date=1 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first four months to the season, Lenihan formed a centre–back partnership with Ayala.<ref>{{cite news|title=Defender Daniel Ayala on Blackburn Rovers' team spirit|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19528542.defender-daniel-ayala-blackburn-rovers-team-spirit/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=20 August 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/august/Daniel-showed-his-quality/|title=Daniel showed his quality|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=12 August 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812144128/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/august/Daniel-showed-his-quality/|archive-date=12 August 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/september/Mowbray-hails-his-immense-defence/|title=Mowbray hails his immense defence|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=19 September 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920140847/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/september/Mowbray-hails-his-immense-defence/|archive-date=20 September 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Daniel Ayala outlines his Blackburn Rovers training plan|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19559739.daniel-ayala-outlines-blackburn-rovers-training-plan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 October 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray hails Daniel Ayala influence in Blackburn Rovers draw|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19731140.tony-mowbray-hails-daniel-ayala-influence-blackburn-rovers-draw/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=20 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> After Ayala suffered an injury, he formed another centre–back partnership with Wharton and [[Jan Paul van Hecke]].<ref>{{cite news|title='Positional work' needed as Blackburn Rovers consider a back three|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19733838.positional-work-needed-blackburn-rovers-consider-back-three/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=23 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers have settled side and system for Bournemouth trip|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19769853.blackburn-rovers-settled-side-system-bournemouth-trip/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=8 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Ratings: Blackburn Rovers captain imperious in Birmingham City win|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19794866.ratings-blackburn-rovers-captain-imperious-birmingham-city-win/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers: Mowbray on links between system switch and results|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19856399.blackburn-rovers-mowbray-links-system-switch-results/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 January 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='Not good enough' as Blackburn Rovers defender calls for improvement|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20060965.not-good-enough-blackburn-rovers-defender-calls-improvement/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=12 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Lenihan scored his second goal of the season from a header, in a 4–0 win against [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]] on 24 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/24/report--rovers---peterborough-united/|title=Report: Rovers 4-0 Peterborough United|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=24 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125194416/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/24/report--rovers---peterborough-united/|archive-date=25 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Together with Wharton and van Hecke, they helped the club kept five more clean sheets in a next five matches between 24 November 2021 and 18 December 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/27/report--/|title=Report: Stoke City 0-1 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=27 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128140748/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/27/report--/|archive-date=28 November 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Preston North End: Ben Brereton Diaz scores winner in Lancashire derby|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59441023|website=BBC Sport|date=4 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/december/11/report--afc-bournemouth-xxx-rovers/|title=Report: AFC Bournemouth 0-2 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=11 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211174232/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/december/11/report--afc-bournemouth-xxx-rovers/|archive-date=11 December 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/december/18/report--rovers---birmingham-city/|title=Report: Rovers 4-0 Birmingham City|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=18 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218175941/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/december/18/report--rovers---birmingham-city/|archive-date=18 December 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers' Darragh Lenihan is 'at the top of his game'|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19798069.blackburn-rovers-darragh-lenihan-at-top-game/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> During the club’s progress of keeping a clean sheet, he was named the Team of the Week by the English Football League three times out of the five matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/25/rovers-quintet-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-s-team-of-midweek-/|title=Rovers quintet named in the Sky Bet Championship's Team of Midweek!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 November 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126185513/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/25/rovers-quintet-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-s-team-of-midweek-/|archive-date=26 November 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/30/lenihan-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-s-team-of-the-week-/|title=Lenihan named in the Sky Bet Championship's Team of the Week!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=1 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201233342/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/november/30/lenihan-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-s-team-of-the-week-/|archive-date=1 December 2021|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/december/21/rovers-pair-named-in-the-efls-team-of-the-week-/|title=Rovers pair named in the EFL's Team of the Week!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=21 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221144513/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2021/december/21/rovers-pair-named-in-the-efls-team-of-the-week-/|archive-date=21 December 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> His performance throughout January also earned him a place for EFL Championship's Team of the Month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/february/02/skipper-selected-/|title=Skipper selected!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=2 February 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202134601/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/february/02/skipper-selected-/|archive-date=2 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In a match against Nottingham Forest on 9 February 2022, Lenihan received a red card for a second bookable offence, in a 2–0 loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/february/09/report--rovers--nottingham-forest/|title=Skipper selected!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=2 February 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210000720/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/february/09/report--rovers--nottingham-forest/|archive-date=10 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> After serving a one match suspension, he returned to the starting line–up from injury as captain, in a 1–0 loss against Sheffield United on 23 February 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/february/23/report--sheffield-united---rovers/|title=Report: Sheffield United 1-0 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=23 February 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828124924/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/february/23/report--sheffield-united---rovers/|archive-date=28 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> By March, Lenihan began to play in a right–back position by manager Mowbray.<ref>{{cite news|title=No need for Blackburn Rovers overhaul, says Tony Mowbray|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19984660.no-need-blackburn-rovers-overhaul-says-tony-mowbray/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 March 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers: Mowbray will 'analyse everything' after Reading blank|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20008388.blackburn-rovers-mowbray-will-analyse-everything-reading-blank/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 March 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/30/report--rovers-v-afc-bournemouth/|title=Report: Rovers 0-3 AFC Bournemouth|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=30 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430173046/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/30/report--rovers-v-afc-bournemouth/|archive-date=30 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he suffered a groin injury while on his international duty and was out for two weeks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers hit with injury blow to captain Darragh Lenihan|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20011951.blackburn-rovers-hit-injury-blow-captain-darragh-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=22 March 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 9 April 2022, Lenihan returned to the starting line–up from injury as captain, in a 1–1 draw against [[Blackpool F.C.|Blackpool]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/09/report--rovers---blackpool/|title=Report: Rovers 1-1 Blackpool|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=9 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409173050/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/09/report--rovers---blackpool/|archive-date=9 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> A week later on 18 April 2022, he made his 250th appearance for Blackburn Rovers, in a 1–0 loss against [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers' play-off hopes fading after defeat to Stoke City|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20076307.blackburn-rovers-play-off-hopes-fading-defeat-stoke-city/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Verdict: The six-game anomaly in Blackburn Rovers' season|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20076609.verdict-six-game-anomaly-blackburn-rovers-season/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In a follow–up match, Lenihan scored his third goal of the season from a header, in a 4–1 win against [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/25/report--preston-north-end-v-rovers/|title=Report: Preston North End 1-4 Rovers|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425233110/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/25/report--preston-north-end-v-rovers/|archive-date=25 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, he was named the Team of the Week by the English Football League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/27/rovers-trio-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-s-team-of-the-week-/|title=Rovers trio named in the Sky Bet Championship's Team of the Week!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=27 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427133448/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/april/27/rovers-trio-named-in-the-sky-bet-championship-s-team-of-the-week-/|archive-date=27 April 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the 2021–22 season, Lenihan made forty–three appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
During the 2021–22 season, Blackburn Rovers began open talks with Lenihan over a new contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray on 'uncertainty' of Blackburn Rovers transfer plans|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19726734.tony-mowbray-uncertainty-blackburn-rovers-transfer-plans/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 November 2011|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Mowbray quashes Ben Brereton exit talk after Brighton links|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19778739.mowbray-quashes-ben-brereton-exit-talk-brighton-links/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=13 December 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers loanee will be given chance to earn permanent deal|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19894976.blackburn-rovers-loanee-will-given-chance-earn-permanent-deal/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=3 February 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> By March, however, it was revealed that he has yet to sign a contract extension with the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers: Promotion could hold key for out of contract trio|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19971527.blackburn-rovers-promotion-hold-key-contract-trio/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=4 March 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Mowbray gives latest on Backburn Rovers' out-of-contract trio|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20039741.mowbray-gives-latest-backburn-rovers-out-of-contract-trio/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray's view of Blackburn Rovers' out-of-contract players|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20076629.tony-mowbrays-view-blackburn-rovers-out-of-contract-players/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 April 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 17 June 2022, Lenihan was confirmed to be leaving the club at the end of his contract on 30 June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/june/17/darragh-to-depart/|title=Darragh to depart|website=www.rovers.co.uk|date=17 June 2022|accessdate=17 June 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617134035/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/june/17/darragh-to-depart/|archive-date=17 June 2022|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan will be 'forever grateful' to Blackburn Rovers|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/20218042.darragh-lenihan-will-forever-grateful-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 June 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
===Middlesbrough===
On 24 June 2022, Lenihan agreed to join [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on a four-year contract upon the expiration of his Blackburn Rovers contract.<ref>
He made his debut for Middlesbrough, starting the match, in a 1–1 draw against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich]] in the opening game of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 1-1 West Brom: John Swift hits debut equaliser as promotion candidates cancel one another out|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/middlesbrough-vs-west-bromwich-albion/467830|website=Sky Sports|date=30 July 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> In a follow–up match against Queens Park Rangers, Lenihan received a red card at the last minute of the game for a foul on [[Macauley Bonne]], as the club loss 3–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/06/match-report--qpr-3-boro-2/|title=Match Report: QPR 3 Boro 2|website=Middlesbrough F.C.|date=6 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20220808111939/https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/06/match-report--qpr-3-boro-2/|archive-date=8 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> After serving a one–match suspension, he returned to the starting line–up against Sheffield United on 14 August 2022 and set up an equalising goal for [[Chuba Akpom]], in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/08/one-game-suspension-for-darragh-lenihan/|title=One Game Suspension For Darragh Lenihan|website=Middlesbrough F.C.|date=8 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808153339/https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/08/one-game-suspension-for-darragh-lenihan/|archive-date=8 August 2022|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/14/match-report---boro-2-sheffield-united-2/|title=Match Report: Boro 2 Sheffield United 2|website=Middlesbrough F.C.|date=14 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814160758/https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/14/match-report---boro-2-sheffield-united-2/|archive-date=14 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> However during a 2–1 loss against [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] on 30 August 2022, Lenihan suffered ankle injury and was substituted in the 56th minute.<ref>{{cite news|title=Watford 2-1 Boro: Stoppage time winner provides cruel blow|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20851586.watford-2-1-boro-stoppage-time-winner-provides-cruel-blow/|website=The Northern Echo|date=30 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> As a result, he was out for a month.<ref>{{cite news|title='Not a great one': Boro's concern over Darragh Lenihan ankle injury|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/20931006.not-great-one-boros-concern-darragh-lenihan-ankle-injury/|website=The Northern Echo|date=6 September 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 5 October 2022, Lenihan returned from injury, coming on as a 70th minute substitute, in a 1–0 win against Birmingham City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 1-0 Birmingham: Chuba Akpom steers Boro to victory|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/middlesbrough-vs-birmingham-city/467976|website=Sky Sports|date=5 October 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Since returning from injury, he became a first team regular, forming a centre–back partnership with [[Paddy McNair]] and [[Dael Fry]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael Carrick saw Middlesbrough flaws in Preston defeat|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23088223.michael-carrick-saw-middlesbrough-flaws-preston-defeat/|website=The Northern Echo|date=30 October 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Inside Carrick's first three weeks in charge & Boro's transformation|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23129686.inside-carricks-first-three-weeks-charge-boros-transformation/|website=The Northern Echo|date=17 November 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Michael Carrick verdict on Middlesbrough's Luton Town win|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23183503.michael-carrick-verdict-middlesbroughs-luton-town-win/|website=The Northern Echo|date=10 December 2022|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough: Carrick outlines Darragh Lenihan & Dael Fry importance|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23224316.middlesbrough-carrick-outlines-darragh-lenihan-dael-fry-importance/|website=The Northern Echo|date=3 January 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title='Tough' Dael Fry-Paddy McNair decision explained by Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tough-dael-fry-paddy-mcnair-26251001|website=Gazette Live|date=21 January 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> His performance earned praises from manager [[Michael Carrick]] saying: "Lenihan has been terrific for us. He’s a big voice in the changing room and a big voice in terms of leading the back line. He and Dael have created a good partnership and understanding together. Lenihan has been a huge positive and big part of what we’ve done so far."<ref>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan's Middlesbrough importance on show in hard-fought Birmingham City win|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/darragh-lenihans-middlesbrough-importance-show-25880690|website=Gazette Live|date=3 January 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> However in early–January, he suffered a foot injury that saw him out for two matches.<ref>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan injury blow for Middlesbrough with Michael Carrick unsure yet on the severity|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/darragh-lenihan-injury-blow-middlesbrough-25921951|website=Gazette Live|date=7 January 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 22 January 2023, Lenihan returned from injury, starting a match, in a 2–0 loss against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sunderland 2-0 Middlesbrough: Deserved victory against 10-man Boro|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23268117.sunderland-2-0-middlesbrough-deserved-victory-10-man-boro/|website=The Northern Echo|date=22 January 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Following his return from injury, he regained his first team place for the rest of the season, continuing to form a centre–back partnership with McNair and Fry.<ref>{{cite news|title=Paddy McNair: 'If we keep winning games, you just never know...'|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23300838.middlesbrough-mcnair-life-carrick-boro-promotion-hopes/|website=The Northern Echo|date=6 February 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough: Michael Carrick outlines Darragh Lenihan's importance|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23409704.middlesbrough-michael-carrick-outlines-darragh-lenihans-importance/|website=The Northern Echo|date=26 March 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough's Paddy McNair dilemma with transfer 'interest' and potential battle for game-time|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-paddy-mcnair-transfer-dilemma-27170367|website=Gazette Live|date=21 June 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> On 18 February 2023, Lenihan captained Middlesbrough for the first time, in a 3–1 win against Sheffield United.<ref>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 3-1 QPR: Chuba Akpom double helps Boro to victory|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64606740|website=BBC Sport|date=18 February 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 3-1 QPR player ratings as brilliant duo top score with 8|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23331333.middlesbrough-3-1-qpr-player-ratings-brilliant-duo-top-score-8/|website=The Northern Echo|date=18 February 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=An obvious next captain for Middlesbrough emerges and other QPR takeaways|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-next-captain-qpr-takeaways-26277823|website=Gazette Live|date=20 February 2024|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He then captained the club three times in a match against [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]], including both legs of the [[2023 English Football League play-offs#Championship|Championship play–offs]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 1-1 Coventry: Draw sets up repeat in play-offs|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23508125.middlesbrough-1-1-coventry-draw-sets-repeat-play-offs/|website=The Northern Echo|date=8 May 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Coventry City 0 Middlesbrough 0: Play-off semi-final first leg|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23521148.coventry-city-0-middlesbrough-0-play-off-semi-final-first-leg/|website=The Northern Echo|date=14 May 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough 0-1 Coventry City: Play-off heartbreak for Boro|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23530085.middlesbrough-0-1-coventry-city-play-off-heartbreak-boro/|website=The Northern Echo|date=17 May 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2022–23 season, Lenihan went on to make forty–three appearances in all competitions.
The first two matches of the 2023–24 season saw Lenihan captained Middlesbrough, which the club loss both matches before the return of [[Jonny Howson]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Match Ratings: Some low marks as Middlesbrough struggle in Millwall home defeat|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23703871.match-ratings-middlesbrough-0-millwall-1/|website=The Northern Echo|date=5 August 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan explains the key factor that will elicit Middlesbrough improvement|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23704237.darragh-lenihan-says-middlesbrough-will-improve-players-return/|website=The Northern Echo|date=7 August 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Huddersfield 2-3 Middlesbrough: Story of four passes as Boro progress against 10-men|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23710130.huddersfield-2-3-middlesbrough-boro-progress-carabao-cup/|website=The Northern Echo|date=8 August 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on 19 September 2023, in a 1–1 draw with [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Middlesbrough: Both sides remain winless after draws|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/12960526/sheffield-wednesday-1-1-middlesbrough-both-sides-remain-winless-after-draws|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 September 2023}}</ref> However, Lenihan was plagued with injuries that eventually saw him out for the rest of the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough injury update ahead of Cardiff City clash including Lenihan, O'Brien and Dijksteel|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-injury-update-obrien-lenihan-27827183|website=The Northern Echo|date=2 October 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough injury update for Norwich City with key duo out and Carrick 'counting the bodies'|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-injury-update-norwich-city-27966722|website=Gazette Live|date=23 October 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Blow for Middlesbrough as Darragh Lenihan's injury makes him second defender out for the season|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blow-middlesbrough-darragh-lenihan-injury-28140749|website=Gazette Live|date=20 November 2023|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> At the end of the 2023–24 season, he went on to make ten appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
In Middlesbrough’s pre–season tour of the 2024–25 season, Lenihan made his return to training after a ten months absent.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael Carrick rules two Boro players out of season opener - and reveals new setback|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/24465782.michael-carrick-alex-bangura-tommy-smith-marcus-forss/|website=The Northern Echo|date=20 July 2024|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He then made his first appearance for the club in a friendly match against [[Gateshead F.C.|Gateshead]] on 24 July 2024 and scored the only goal of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/24/match-report--gateshead-0-1-boro/|title=Match Report: Gateshead 0-1 Boro|website=Middlesbrough F.C.|date=24 July 2023|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724220310/https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/24/match-report--gateshead-0-1-boro/|archive-date=24 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Lenihan’s return was short–lived when he was out with an injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Middlesbrough injury update on Lenihan, Fry, Howson, McCabe and Finch|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/24521200.middlesbrough-injury-update-lenihan-fry-howson-mccabe-finch/|website=The Northern Echo|date=15 August 2024|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
==International career==
===Youth career===
After appearing twice for the [[Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team|Republic of Ireland U17]] level, Lenihan was called up by [[Republic of Ireland national under-19 football team|Republic of Ireland U19]] in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/seven-get-the-call-351104.aspx|title=Seven get the call|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=4 September 2012|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108071835/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/seven-get-the-call-351104.aspx|archive-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lenihan made his only Ireland U19 debut on 8 September 2012, in a 1–1 draw against [[Latvia national under-19 football team|Latvia U19]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/debut-for-darragh-361273.aspx|title=Debut for Darragh|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=10 September 2012|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425133153/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/debut-for-darragh-361273.aspx|archive-date=25 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
In September 2010, Lenihan was called up to the [[Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team|Republic of Ireland U17]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/u17-squad-selected-for-uefa-qualifiers|title=U17 squad selected for UEFA qualifiers|publisher=Football Association of Ireland|date=13 September 2010|accessdate=28 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203143525/http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/u17-squad-selected-for-uefa-qualifiers|archive-date=3 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his under-17 side debut, starting a match, in a 3–1 win against [[Malta national under-17 football team|Malta U17]] on 25 September 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-beat-malta-in-uefa-u17-qualifier|title=Ireland beat Malta in UEFA U17 qualifier|website=Football Association of Ireland|date=25 September 2010|access-date=28 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203143418/http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-beat-malta-in-uefa-u17-qualifier|archive-date=3 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lenihan played in the central-midfield position, in a follow–up match, in a 2–0 win against [[Albania national under-17 football team|Albania U17]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-progress-to-uefa-u17-elite-qualifiers|title=Ireland progress to UEFA U17 elite qualifiers|publisher=Football Association of Ireland|date=27 September 2010|accessdate=28 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203143510/http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-progress-to-uefa-u17-elite-qualifiers|archive-date=3 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Lenihan went on to make five appearances for the Republic of Ireland U17.
▲
Lenihan was called up by [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland U21]] for the first time in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/two-get-under-21-call-1551926.aspx|title=Two get Under-21 call|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=14 May 2014|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521022722/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/two-get-under-21-call-1551926.aspx|archive-date=21 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He captained the under-21 side on his debut and led the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against [[Qatar national under-23 football team|Qatar U23]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/lenihans-irish-hopes-1571902.aspx|title=Lenihan's Irish hopes|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=24 May 2014|access-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525191441/http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/lenihans-irish-hopes-1571902.aspx|archive-date=25 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He later captained Republic of Ireland U21 five more times in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ireland Under 21s suffer friendly loss to England|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/0605/706215-under-21s-suffer-training-game-loss-to-england/|website=RTE Sports|date=5 June 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/kings-delight-as-ireland-u21s-beat-lithuania|title=King's delight as Ireland U21s beat Lithuania|website=Football Association of Ireland|date=9 October 2015|access-date=28 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013042927/http://www.fai.ie:80/ireland/news/kings-delight-as-ireland-u21s-beat-lithuania|archive-date=13 October 2015|url-status=dead}}<br>{{cite news|title=Supersub Vittorio Parigini ends Ireland U21s unbeaten start|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1013/734601-supersub-parigini-ends-irelands-unbeaten-start/|website=RTE Sports|date=13 October 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Ireland Under-21s slump to disappointing defeat in Vilnius|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1113/741793-ireland-under-21s-slump-to-defeat-in-vilnius/|website=RTE Sports|date=13 November 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Noel King's Ireland U21s in friendly stalemate with Norway|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1117/742628-kings-ireland-u21s-in-friendly-stalemate/|website=RTE Sports|date=17 November 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Lenihan then captained two more times for the under-21 side in early–2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blow for Euro hopes as Ireland U-21s lose to Italy|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0324/777297-ireland-u21s-succumb-to-table-toppers-italy/|website=RTE Sports|date=24 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Ireland Under-21s in trouble after Slovenia defeat|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/0328/777956-republic-of-ireland-under-21-slovenia/|website=RTE Sports|date=28 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> He went on to make fifteen appearances for Republic of Ireland U21.
===Senior career===
His return from injury at Blackburn Rovers earned Lenihan a call-up to the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland]] for the first time in March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/march/representing-the-republic/|title=Representing the Republic...|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=8 March 2018|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918203933/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/march/representing-the-republic/|archive-date=18 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=International call 'a welcome surprise' but Darragh Lenihan focused on Rovers promotion bid|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16084147.international-call-a-welcome-surprise-darragh-lenihan-focused-rovers-promotion-bid/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=18 March 2018|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> However, he appeared as an unused substitute, in a 1–0 loss against [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]] on 23 March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/march/international-rovers-round-up/|title=International Rovers round-up|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=25 March 2018|access-date=28 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326122824/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2018/march/international-rovers-round-up/|archive-date=26 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 June 2018, Lenihan made his debut for the Ireland senior team in a 2–1 win over the [[United States men's national soccer team|USA]] in Dublin, he was credited with the assist for Ireland’s opening goal scored by [[Graham Burke]] after a Lenihan volley which was on target.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44034283|title=Republic of Ireland 2–1 USA|date=2 June 2018|work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Lenihan became the first person from [[County Meath]] to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meathchronicle.ie/sport/soccer/articles/2018/06/03/4156911-lenihan-basks-in-glow-of-historic-appearance--/|title=Lenihan basks in glow of historic appearance|newspaper=[[Meath Chronicle]]|date=3 June 2018|access-date=3 June 2018}}<br>{{cite news|title=Darragh Lenihan: Replacing O'Shea made Ireland debut extra special|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16269449.darragh-lenihan-replacing-oshea-made-ireland-debut-extra-special/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=5 June 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
Lenihan made his competitive debut for Ireland nearly four years after his last cap, starting in a 1–1 [[2022-23 UEFA Nations League B|UEFA Nations League]] draw against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/0614/1304892-ireland-secure-hard-fought-point-against-ukraine/| title=Ireland secure hard-fought point against Ukraine| date=14 June 2022|last1=Leahy| first1=Ed|website=[[RTÉ.ie]]}}</ref>
==Personal life==
During his early career at Blackburn Rovers, Lenihan shared houses with his former teammate, [[John O'Sullivan (footballer)|John O'Sullivan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=John O'Sullivan determined to become first-team regular at Blackburn Rovers|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/13320013.john-osullivan-determined-become-first-team-regular-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=9 June 2015|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Growing up, he was a [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] supporter and idolised [[Roy Keane]].<ref>{{cite news|title=We must maintain spirit level, insists Blackburn Rovers midfielder Lenihan|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14386655.must-maintain-spirit-level-insists-blackburn-rovers-midfielder-lenihan/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 March 2016|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/asklenihan---part-2/|title=#AskLenihan - Part 2|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=12 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511104432/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/asklenihan---part-2/|archive-date=11 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Lenihan Q&A">{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/february/a-z-darragh-lenihan/|title=A-Z: Darragh Lenihan|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=20 February 2019|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921060639/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2019/february/a-z-darragh-lenihan/|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Football Origins with Darragh Lenihan"/> Lenihan said he watches documentaries, [[Formula 1]] and the big boxing fights in his spare time.<ref name="Lenihan Q&A"/>
Lenihan is married to his wife, Shauna, and together they have two children.<ref>{{cite news|title=What Republic of Ireland players have been doing during the World Cup|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/what-republic-ireland-players-been-12767211|website=The Irish Mirror|date=22 June 2018|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/darragh-pre-millwall/|title=We've still got a fighting chance|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=13 July 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811224427/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/darragh-pre-millwall/|archive-date=11 August 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite web|url=https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/looking-forward-to-being-daddy-darragh/|title=Looking forward to being Daddy Darragh!|website=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=15 April 2020|access-date=29 August 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926212646/https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2020/april/looking-forward-to-being-daddy-darragh/|archive-date=26 September 2020|url-status=live}}<br>{{cite news|title=Rovers hope Travis' powers of recovery will ease injury fears|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18552299.rovers-midfielder-race-fit-leeds-united-visit/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=1 July 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}<br>{{cite news|title=Tony Mowbray explains Adam Armstrong absence from Blackburn Rovers friendly|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19434496.tony-mowbray-explains-adam-armstrong-absence-blackburn-rovers-friendly/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=10 July 2021|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
==Career statistics==
Line 175 ⟶ 210:
==Honours==
'''Burton Albion'''
*[[Football League Two]]: [[2014–15 Football League Two|2014–15]]<ref name="Lenihan Medal"/>
'''Blackburn Rovers'''
*[[EFL League One]] runner-up: [[2017–18 EFL League One|2017–18]]<ref>{{cite book
==References==
Line 201 ⟶ 239:
[[Category:Association footballers from County Meath]]
[[Category:People from Dunboyne]]
[[Category:21st-century Irish sportsmen]]
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