*Ryan Taylor. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
WITH A FULL TO THE BRIM Semple Stadium, Sunday’s Munster SHC final was destined to bring with it an electric atmosphere leading to a special first senior provincial decider appearance for Ryan Taylor.
Clooney/Quin’s Ryan Taylor has been one of the stars for Clare this season and on Sunday he delivered another tremendous performance.
Speaking shortly after the final whistle on Sunday, he said “it was one hell of a game and we are bitterly disappointed to get that close and not get over the line, Sport is cruel. We had our moments and probably didn’t take a few chances when we got them. Look, they are a brilliant team. That’s the way it goes. We will be back, we will get back hard at training during the week”.
Limerick’s experience and know-how to see out games proved influential in extra time. “They have been in numerous finals in the last couple of years. They have that bit of experience, they kept their noses in front towards the end, we are disappointed”.
With the sides finishing level on normal time, it meant it was the third draw between the counties following seventy minutes of hurling this year. “There are some positives to take, but we are disappointed now. Hopefully we are going in the right direction and that we can build on the last few games and drive on for the rest of the year”.
Taylor continued, “Limerick are a great team, we like playing them and we have had some good battles, we will get back training during the week, we will reassess and look forward to the quarter final. That’s all we can do”.
Featuring in his first Munster SHC final in front of a sell-out capacity at Semple Stadium is an experience that won’t be forgotten by the roving midfielder. “The atmosphere was electric, similar to the game in Cusack Park, the support was unreal from the Clare fans, you could really really feel it”.
He was hopeful Clare would continue to have a big say in this year’s championship. “That’s the way it goes, we didn’t get over the line. We have to pick ourselves up and get back hard training. There is still a long summer ahead of us hopefully”.
