Dan Sheehan motivated from European heartbreak ahead of Harlequins clash
Michael Bolton
Since Leinster's last Champions Cup win in 2018, it has been a series of heartbreaking defeats and frustration.
Four final defeats in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024 have followed, with Dan Sheehan starting in three of them.
Last year was another shock defeat, as Leinster's European campaign ended in the semi-finals against Northampton.
What made this defeat all the more shocking was that it followed dominant wins over Harlequins and Glasgow, keeping the opposition scoreless in both games.
With Harlequins, the visitors to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, Sheehan is keen to put things right from the semi-final defeat last year.
"We reviewed that at the start of the season and the end of last season. I am sure we might mention it as we get through the pool stages.
"It is all eyes on what is in front now. It is a different group, it is a new journey. We are looking forward to playing Harlequins, who offer plenty of threats.
"They are a very well put-together attacking side."
For all the talent in Leinster's talent, it will be eight years since they last won the European Cup.
This group of players, such as Sheehan, have never won the competition and has had to pick themselves back up after coming so close time after time.
However, the 27-year-old says this just gives Leinster more motivation.
"That probably gives more hunger. I know people are desperate; I am desperate to win one.
"I always have to strip it up and not think of the overall outcome and focus on the process and Harlequins this week.
"There is a serious hunger in the group. Obviously, we are very aware of the disappointment over the last few years, especially some of the older players who have been involved in those finals and have come away with nothing.
"It just adds fuel to the fire."
It has been a frustrating start to the season for Leinster, who have already lost three games in the URC.
Between several players on the British and Irish Lions tour in the summer, and more involved in the November internationals, Leinster have rarely had their strongest side regularly.
Saturday will only be Sheehan's second start for Leinster this season, and he is confident of another strong group stage for Leinster.
"You can almost feel a bit of a change in the environment on European weeks.
"The way we have approached the last couple of years has been perfect; we have gone really well in the group stages. There has been a good switch in mentality already.
"It starts with the leaders, and the ones who have done it before, to make sure we set the scene for the younger lads who maybe haven't experienced European rugby before."