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THERE has been a lot to enthuse Clare hurling supporters but the way that Ryan Taylor (right) has established himself as an integral part of Brian Lohan’s plans has gone a little under the radar. But the Clooney-Quin man has quietly been one of the most impressive Clare players in their opening two games. He scored three fine points in the win over Cork following an influential performance around the middle third against Tipperary. Taylor’s potential was first flagged when he was a key part of the Clare U21s that made the 2015 Munster final. But he was only drafted into the senior squad in November 2017 after starring for

Clooney-Quin in the county championship that season. But he struggled for game-time under Donal Maloney and Gerry O’Connor and it was only when Lohan took the reins that Taylor was given a proper audition, which he passed with flying colours. He started all of Clare’s Championship outings last summer and being stationed as a third midfielder this year, freeing up an inside-forward to move to the wing, has been crucial to the Banner’s early season success.

Tomorrow will be the sternest examination of the hard-working Taylor, as he needs to make hay against Limerick’s dervishes around the middle third. It can be hard to impose yourself in that war zone against the AllIreland champions. But Taylor has already shown he has the stomach for battle.