Cathal Dennehy: Without live TV, we missed that off-your-couch thrill of the unknown

As much as we’re told that live streaming is the future, it still doesn’t hold a candle to live coverage on an established TV channel. The golden relay performance in Rome proved that. 

FANTASTIC FOUR: The Ireland 4x400m mixed relay team, from left, Chris O'Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

“And Mawdsley has proved in that World Relays in the Bahamas that she can run neck and neck with Femke Bol. Femke Bol is not running down this top three. So now, can Sharlene Mawdsley get the better of Helena Ponette of Belgium? And I think she can. She has a tremendous finish, Sharlene Mawdsley. She is strength, she is elegance, she has got a lot going for her. Helena Ponette is not as quick as Sharlene Mawdsley. Just hold your nerve. She’s HOLDING her nerve. This is WONDERFUL from Sharlene Mawdsley. She is such a proficient relay runner, proving it with a GOLD medal for Ireland in a huge national record, obliterating the previous record.” 

In big moments, the best rise to the occasion. It was true for Sharlene Mawdsley on Friday night, just as it was true for her teammates Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke and Thomas Barr.