Why this week is different: Marty Morrissey (RTE reporter, GAA correspondent)

“The past fortnight has been hectic in terms of filming and preparing for the final.

It is a kind of organised pandemonium.

This morning, for example, I am editing a hurling package and then this afternoon I’m heading to Mayo for their press night ahead of the football final. Tomorrow then I’m working on more packages in the morning and then I’m off to present Championship Matters, where we will have Anthony Cunningham and Richie Hogan on our panel. On Friday I’ve another piece to organise for Six One News and then I’ll turn my attention to preparing commentary notes for the final on Radio One. Doing radio commentary requires a different kind of preparation than television. Without pictures you need to be more descriptive and understand your words are all that link listeners with what is happening in Croke Park.

You’d be amazed by the global audience for the All-Ireland final. I met a girl from Kilmihill in Clare who will be listening to the game with a Cork friend in Bolivia.

I’ve an early start on Saturday as I’m filling in for Damien O’Reilly on Countrywide on Radio One at 8am and then the rest of the day will be given over to preparing for the big day. One of the biggest challenges now is access to players. Managers have become far more controlling which I understand but don’t completely agree with. Players are bright, intelligent young men and I’d like to think there is a level of trust between us that means no one is going to be put in a situation which will cause controversy before one of the biggest days of their sporting lives.

Though I am associated with Clare many people may not know my mother is from Cork and I was born in Mallow. So there will be no fear of favouritism on Sunday!

Do I enjoy the week? I do. It is mad busy but this is the closest you can get to being a player or manager on All-Ireland final day.”