Dundalk FM article from www.extratime.ie

**eL Bettor** · 26/09/2009, 8:33 AM

http://extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/2565/

Dundalk FM 100: An Appreciation
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by Alan Dooley
Sat, Sep 26 2009
Having decided not to make the cross-country trek to County Louth to see this evening's Premier Division mid-table tussle between Dundalk and Galway United, I comforted myself with the knowledge that the game was being broadcast live on Dundalk FM 100 and, five minutes before kick-off, I settled down for what turned out be a very entertaining night's listening.

The station, a community-based, not-for-profit business, has been broadcasting full-time since September 2004 and has gained a loyal following to its' live coverage of Dundalk's games, anchored by Larry O'Rourke with colour - high definition colour at that - commentary provided by John Murphy and Gerry Cunningham.

Let's cut straight to the chase. If you are looking to get an unbiased account of your side's game with Dundalk, these are not the boys to be listening to. They are passionate about the game, passionate about Dundalk FC, and tell it as they see it. Whether this means lambasting Sean Connor's side or singing their praises from the rooftops, this is no holds barred stuff. Just don't expect much analysis of your own team's performance if you're not a Lilywhite.

If you can get your head around this, though, the banter between the Larry and John (Gerry was marked absent tonight) is well worth a listen. They also showed their analytical acumen in their assessment of what needed to be done with the Dundalk side as Connor's troops marched to their seventh home win of the season.

Striker Ger Rowe was, however, the unlucky one tonight, getting under the lad's skin from early in the game, and they were far from happy with the striker's performance. The criticisms ranged in severity from:
"Rowe gets the ball and you'd think there was a hand grenade in it!!
"Ger Rowe is not awake. He's still in bed at home...
"He thinks he's down at the roundabout at the Carnival."
Rowe was eventually substituted near the end, a move which came "an hour or two too late" for Larry's liking. The relentless calls for Darren Mansaram's introduction paid off, though, as the sub capped the night with a well-taken third goal two minutes from time, to loud, jubilant cries of "yah boy ya" and "God bless him!" from former Dundalk captain Murphy.

Murphy starred for Dundalk in the 60's and his string of irreverent remarks had O'Rourke in stitches by the middle of the second half. Some of the gems that poured forth included:
"That wasn't pot luck - it was pot noodle.
"He could be in the dentist's chair in the morning.
"The way he's playing tonight he'd open a can of peas with his left foot (Michael McGowan).
"Williams would catch a train going away out the platform.
"He wouldn't run to warm himself.(Rowe)"

As the texts flowed in, one wondering had Murphy robbed the "pot noodle" comment from Sky Sports, the league winner strongly denied the inference and O'Rourke's claim that he had read a book of one-liners before the game, claiming that they all come naturally and that he was "sponsored by one of the Chinese places down the town."

Thoughts flow in a circuitous fashion during the broadcast, with topics ranging from relegation candidates to club finances along with everything in between - the important details of the ongoing match are relayed when needed. Text comments form an integral part of the broadcast and range from outlandish praise to slightly more mundane matters. "Plenty of soup" was called for when one listener's flu symptoms kept him from getting to Oriel, while the Whistling Barman was also offered hearty birthday congratulations.

Back to matters on the pitch and following a goalless first half, Tommy McConville was brought in to provide some half-time chat. Unfortunately, the blaring tannoy made him impossible to decipher and the only pearl of wisdom that registered came just as the teams trotted back out as Tommy declared that Dundalk "should push on and go for the three points".

They proved prophetic words as Dundalk upped the tempo from the off in the second half and Alex Williams scored early to put the lads in a decidedly better mood - bar the perceived inadequacies of Mr. Rowe. With Dundalk in a commanding position and Galway seemingly struggle to muster any attacks of note, thoughts turned to today's pampered players.

When the merit of retaining a current Dundalk squad member who has featured infrequently popped up via text, John referred to Winston Bogarde's time at Chelsea when he became a professional bench warmer and hardly played. "Nice money if you can get it", summed up Murphy's thoughts as he compared it to less prosperous times: "I used to get �4 when I was with Dundalk, and that was if we were having a good season."

Michael McGowan was on the end of praise for his good play throughout and after one rasping drive was repelled by Barry Ryan, Dundalk were encouraged by the lads to get the ball into the winger more often as "we know he can batter in that ball". McGowan proceeded to do just that when the chance arose with six minutes remaining.

So who does Murphy feel will go down? Well, he for one hoped it wasn't near neighbours Drogheda, although he felt tonight's clash with Bray would prove vital. While many Dundalk fans would happily see their rivals fall down through the trap door, Murphy realises that the derbies are a vital source of revenue for the club in these harsh economic times and would prefer them to remain on the fixture list.

The last six minutes, in which two good goals were netted, gave the lads hope of better things to come. Galway had been run ragged in the second 45: "They're all ******ed out there," and this was a happy night indeed for Larry O'Rourke and John Murphy, two legends who keep Dundalk fans, wherever they are, entertained on match nights. Long may they continue to do so.

**Dillonman** · 26/09/2009, 8:37 AM

And this has got something to do with what, all local radio statiosn are biased towards their local side so this makes no difference!

**eL Bettor** · 26/09/2009, 8:42 AM

???

I think you're trying to find a reason to be offended by the article when the title of it is "An Appreciation". Anyone who has listened to these guys will admit that their commentary style is a little different to other local radio stations who broadcast LOI games, and that's what makes them so entertaining.

**Infadel** · 26/09/2009, 8:45 AM

Who could ever forget their infamous commentry during the Bohs cup replay game

**eL Bettor** · 26/09/2009, 8:49 AM

"I'd love to meet Pat Fenlon down a dark alley I would so I would"

"They're not winners, they're cheats"

**Scooby Doo** · 26/09/2009, 9:37 AM

They're an embarressment. Hey.

**eelmonster** · 26/09/2009, 9:51 AM

Originally Posted by Scooby Doo

They're an embarressment. Hey.

A bit like your spelling then.

Good article.

**BohDiddley** · 26/09/2009, 9:58 AM

Great that a club would have a local radio station that supports it in this way. Dublin stations please copy.

**Scooby Doo** · 26/09/2009, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by eelmonster

A bit like your spelling then.

Good article.

touch�!

seriously though, they are awful. love their enthusiasm but thats as far as my admiration goes.

**ndrog** · 26/09/2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Scooby Doo

touch�!

seriously though, they are awful. love their enthusiasm but thats as far as my admiration goes.

You can mock them all you want and there style might leave a lot to be desired but there is no denying there passion to cause of Dundalk fc .If all clubs had local stations as dedicated as this the leauge would would be a better place imo . Fair play to them ..

**Scooby Doo** · 26/09/2009, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by ndrog

You can mock them all you want and there style might leave a lot to be desired but there is no denying there passion to cause of Dundalk fc .If all clubs had local stations as dedicated as this the leauge would would be a better place imo . Fair play to them ..

Yes haven't i just applauded their enthusiasm. and yes more of the same enthusiasm around the country for the league would be great. However, personally, I feel like cringing everytime I hear that radio show. I am originally from Dundalk and they are not the most eloquent ambassadors for 'da town' lets just say. Fair enough, the article in question is entertaining but theres no doubt they're to some extent having a laugh at the expense of the Dundalk broadcasters.

**Finlay Harp** · 26/09/2009, 10:44 AM

When Harps were going well a few years back we had all our home games broadcast live on Highland Radio and sometimes Ocean Fm. Commentary was nowhere near what Dundalk FM do but nonetheless it was good for those of us that could not make the game. Ah the good old days!

**ndrog** · 26/09/2009, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Scooby Doo

Yes haven't i just applauded their enthusiasm. and yes more of the same enthusiasm around the country for the league would be great. However, personally, I feel like cringing everytime I hear that radio show. I am originally from Dundalk and they are not the most eloquent ambassadors for 'da town' lets just say. Fair enough, the article in question is entertaining but theres no doubt they're to some extent having a laugh at the expense of the Dundalk broadcasters.

A Dundalk man who supports Shels

I bet your popular when you go back to 'da town'

**Scooby Doo** · 26/09/2009, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by ndrog

A Dundalk man who supports Shels

I bet your popular when you go back to 'da town'

Living in Drumcondra. Never became endeared to Dundalk FC. Simple as.

**Dunny** · 26/09/2009, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by ndrog

'da town'

Were not Longford.

**ndrog** · 26/09/2009, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Dunny

Were not Longford.

So what ? Are you taking issue with being called the town " come on da town " being a favourite of Dundalk fans ! is it not

**holidaysong** · 26/09/2009, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by Scooby Doo

Living in Drumcondra. Never became endeared to Dundalk FC. Simple as.

Traitor!

**Mark** · 26/09/2009, 3:33 PM

Larry and John in particular do excellent commentaries. Yep they can be biased but their audience is in mainly the Dundalk area. I've sat next to them in the press box and listened to their commentary and you wouldn't always agree with it all but that's not the point. It's great entertainment and as good as anything else out there. Never criticise it- at least they are getting out there and doing it.