AS a sports radio commentator, I am never really sure who is listening as I attempt, often in vain, to describe something that is rapidly unfolding in a frenetic fashion.

All I can do is hope that it has made sense to the listeners.
Commentators use different techniques in preparation and in delivery, but in the end, it comes down to concentration and the ability to describe what is happening in front of you.

When I started commentating more than 22 years ago, I had trouble shifting things from my mind such as: “Did I leave the iron on at home?”

Over the years, I have managed to put aside most things that don’t directly influence the job that I have to do.

There is one thing though that I kept as a special weapon when I was calling Brumbies’ or Wallabies’ games, and that was knowing that Maureen Larkham was listening.

She would pace around the back of Canberra Stadium when the games were at home; and she would go outside and walk around the garden while she was home during away-games listening to the radio.

She found it hard to watch, especially when son Steve was playing. In fact, she found it increasingly difficult to watch him as he got older and the games became tougher.

During matches when I was getting ahead of myself, I would pull back rather than invoke the ire of Maureen. If I started to lose concentration, I got myself together thinking that I needed to do it for Maureen.

You see, after games Maureen would provide an honest critique, without going over the top, in her own way. Even if she was critical of something, it usually ended in a laugh.

There was no chance of getting carried away with yourself around Maureen. She treated everybody the same and nobody was more important than anybody else, and that is what made her so special.

I have seen her in the company of people such as the actor Bryan Brown after the 2003 World Cup, politicians, sportspeople, everyday people, all were treated the same.

The support she provided to me and my family as we were going through the adoption process reflects the same kind yet direct spirit that she showed many others in the Canberra community. She was astonishing with her time and energy; practical and always generous.

She was a mother figure to so many young players coming to Canberra away from their families; and she supported the families who came to Canberra to see their offspring or partners play.

Despite her understated role in the community, Maureen was devoted to her family: husband Geoff, son Steve, daughter Rebecca, sister-in-law Jacqui, and son-in-law Tom, and all her grandchildren.

Her family-based values governed much of her life, and her children and grandchildren reflect this.

And similar to many parents of children devoted to sport; she was always there.

Seven weeks ago Maureen was diagnosed with cancer. She died following a short battle. It was no surprise that St John’s church was full and overflowing for her funeral.

The loss of Maureen Larkham impacted many, many people. As my nine-year-old said to me last week: “She was a very good person, we will miss her.”  And I know we will.