A few weeks ago we were treated to the passionate verses of Sean Walsh and the Galway Bay FM commentary as the Tribesmen edged out Tipperary to book a place in the All-Hurling Final. And yesterday produced another stunning instalment of local radio as Mid West Radio chronicled the dramatic Mayo turnaround in the closing minutes of the All-Ireland Football semi-final against Dublin.
Chief commentator Mike Finnerty along with John Casey seemed enough but the surging run from Colm Boyle which resulted in a penalty in the 69th minute unleashed a raw desire from the boys and suddenly they were fans once again.
Finnerty perfectly sets the scene as Cillian O'Connor approaches the penalty spot and a one point deficit just one kick away.
You could not make this up. This is the stuff of boyhood dreams and who else would you want taking it but the main man Cillian O'Connor and you better strap yourself in.
And his co-commentator John Casey aptly describes the acrobatics of Colm Boyle. 'Superman would have been proud of that Mike. This is character of the highest order.'
And then comes a rapturous roar for the all important goal. Sheer local radio gold. The emotional upheaval of those moments reduces the Mid West duo to exhaustion and by the time Andy Moran gathers the ball to level it for Mayo, Mike Finnerty just about has enough energy to utter:
We're level. Mayo shall not be moved.
And by the time Stephen Cluxton comes trotting up to take that final free, Finnerty, Casey and fellow commentator Billy Fitzpatrick are all rendered speechless.
I want this match blown up Mike. I can't take this.
Cluxton of course did send that free wide meaning that we can hope to expect more gems from this Mid West commentary team in the replay. Teams often preach about the importance of having a 16th man in the stand, and in this radio partnership, Mayo are well endowed.
Here's the audio from those dramatic final 9 minutes beginning with the Colm Boyle penalty that kick started it all.
