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St Mary's prop David Clare is establishing a significant reputation in the absence of Leinster prop Emmet Byrne. Clare has grasped his opportunity remarkably well as Byrne's season has been one of frustration with injury. What those outside of Templeville Road might not know is that Clare had a Damascus Road-type conversion to the front row this season. Joining from Old Belvedere as a number eight last summer, he switched to prop, and club captain Trevor Brennan, who provided this nugget of information, has singled him out for special praise.