Commentator credits Ballygiblin for ‘unbelievable opportunity’
Castletownroche native Mick Linehan is full of thanks and praise for the Ballygiblin hurlers, as they generously gave of their time to sup
port the part-time commentator in his endeavours.
Mr Linehan, living in Kildorrery, has been at the game for 15 years, but it was only after Covid restrictions started lifting that he was catapulted into a more professional aspect of it.
“Commentary isn’t my job, it’s a part-time thing for me. You have to get interviews of course, and the Ballygiblin boys have no problem with accommodating me, they’ve been great to me.
“Officially I would have started commentating on my club Castletownroche 15 years ago. That started out as fun. A few years ago, a few of the guys said to me, you have to take it serious now. Then of course, Covid and everything came into play but about three months ago, I got a call from Richard Burke from Shanballymore and he asked would I talk to Jimmy Doyle about commentating for clubber.ie, the Ballygiblin and Skeheenarinky game.
“From sitting at home, to going to a chance like that! It’s an unbelievable opportunity.”
Mr Linehan stresses that the gig is a parttime one for him, but comes with its share of hard work. The cooperation of the Ballygiblin team has meant a lot, particularly as he doesn’t know them that well. He commentates on the online platform, due to return on 18th February for audiences.
“Commentating is a hard sport, but I didn’t realise it was so hard until I had to go study two teams that I’d never seen before in my life. I’ve a lot of experience with Park Utd, but I wouldn’t know these guys as well, so for them to agree means everything to me. They don’t have to agree, of course, and you are going on live TV at the end of day. They’ve no problem with interviews, and they’re great lads.”