With Brian Lohan involved, there will always be an edge to Clare-Limerick

It might be very early in the hurling year for markers to be plunged into forgiving soft ground, while, if they are, any notion that they could be a barometer for how the season might unfold is foolhardy.

After all, in the first flush of 2019 the Clare hurlers showed oodles of intent and endeavour in romping to Munster League success, hitting Tipperary for four goals and a 10-point drubbing in the final in the Gaelic Grounds.