Moran: Surreal feeling seeing our songs part of celebrations

The Saw Doctors anthems played for Galway and Mayo

THE Saw Doctors are a band that need no introductions, especially in the west of Ireland where their music is known by young and old.

However, even for those left unaware of the talents of the ever-popular Tuam group, they could not escape hearing some of their biggest hits in recent weeks.

The N17 was belted out by Galway fans in Croke Park as the county’s ladies football team secured their second All-Ireland senior title. A week earlier, it was the Green and Red of Mayo that echoed around Jones Road, as Mayo supporters celebrated a first Sam Maguire Cup victory in 75 years.

“It was a surreal feeling seeing our songs become part of the celebrations in Croke Park and at homecomings, especially Mayo,” said Leo Moran, The Saw Doctors' lead guitarist told The Tuam Herald.

“I kind of knew they would play the Green and Red of Mayo if they won, but I just didn’t expect it to have this big of an impact. The song has now become a part of what was one of the biggest Irish sporting moments, their win will be remembered for some time.

“It was nice to hear N17 played when the ladies footballers won their first All-Ireland in 22 years. That was a super occasion too. I think what made them both so special was that they were outsiders, it wasn’t a double that people saw coming.”

Rising national profile

The success of teams from Connacht saw the profile of the band rise significantly nationwide. For a period following Mayo’s victory, the Green and Red of Mayo was at the top of Spotify’s most played tracks in Ireland. To Win Just Once also got a boost in the lead-up to the final.

The Saw Doctors' music was widely present on social media too, used by influencers and media outlets in videos and posts made about the Galway and Mayo team’s victories and their respective homecomings.

“When we wrote these songs, it was never with the intention of them becoming the sporting anthems for Galway and Mayo teams,” added Leo.

“We write music largely to just amuse ourselves, but it was lovely to see our songs used in this way, that people are impacted and inspired by them. You almost get worried that people will get sick of them, but luckily that hasn’t been the case.

“Singing is a great healer. It is a joyous thing, so we are loving the fact our music is being enjoyed by so many people in recent weeks.”