Boston Celtics Announcer Mike Gorman Receives Prestigious JFK National Award in Holyoke This St. Patrick's Day Season
The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has named Mike Gorman, the Boston Celtics play-by-play commentator for the past 43 years, as its 64th recipient of the prestigious John F. Kennedy National Award. The award is presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished themselves in his or her chosen field.
“It is an honor to be receiving the 2024 John F. Kennedy National Award from the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke," Gorman said when notified of the award. "I am extremely proud of my Irish-American heritage. My grandmother came here from Skibbereen, where she met my grandfather who came from Dublin. They would be so proud to see me among the stellar list of previous award recipients. I look forward to a wonderful weekend.”
Mike Gorman grew up in Dorchester, Massachusetts and attended Boston State, now known as UMass/ Boston. He was an aviator in the U.S. Navy for five years and began his broadcasting career at WNBH in New Bedford and WPRO radio in Providence, before becoming the Boston Celtics play-by-player announcer since 1981.
“It is an honor to be receiving the 2024 John F. Kennedy National Award from the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke," Gorman said when notified of the award. "I am extremely proud of my Irish-American heritage. My grandmother came here from Skibbereen, where she met my grandfather who came from Dublin. They would be so proud to see me among the stellar list of previous award recipients. I look forward to a wonderful weekend.”
Mike Gorman grew up in Dorchester, Massachusetts and attended Boston State, now known as UMass/ Boston. He was an aviator in the U.S. Navy for five years and began his broadcasting career at WNBH in New Bedford and WPRO radio in Providence, before becoming the Boston Celtics play-by-player announcer since 1981.
A five-time Emmy award winner, Gorman was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 and the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. In the illustrious history of the Boston Celtics, legendary announcers Johnny Most and Mike Gorman have been the voice of the Celtics.
The 2023-2024 NBA season will be Mike's final season. "Covering the Boston Celtics has been a privilege. It’s also been a lot of fun," Gorman said.
“Mike Gorman's professional accomplishments, which include his service to our country, exemplify the criteria the Committee seeks in honoring an American of Irish descent in the spirit of President Kennedy," said Parade President Hayley Dunn, "He is a legend in the sports world, especially among the legion of Boston Celtics fans who for over 40 years have depended on his play-by-play voice.
"Mike's Irish wit have made him a cherished figure in the sportscasting world, and I'm thrilled we will be honoring him with this award in his farewell season with the Celtics. The Committee looks forward to hosting Mr. Gorman and his family Parade weekend,” Dunn said.
The list of past John F. Kennedy National Award honorees is notable for its range of Irish-Americans from all walks of life, starting with President John F. Kennedy himself, who received the first award in 1958. A selection of other winners include Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney (1980) and his son, US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney (2010); writers Jimmy Breslin (1977), Tom Clancy (1992) Dan Shaughnessy (2007), David McCullough (2011) and Doris Kearns Goodwin (2013); singer Carmel Quinn (1991), actress Maureen O'Hara (1982), businessman Thomas J. Flatley, astronaut Catherine Cady Coleman, and various political leaders including Senator Ted Kennedy, House Speaker Tip O'Neill, Mayor and US Ambassador Ray Flynn and Congressman Richie Neal.
During the parade weekend in Holyoke, Gorman will be honored at the JFK Award Dinner at Log Cabin on Saturday, March 16, an event open to the public. He will also be recognized at the 47th St. Patrick’s Road Race earlier in the day.
“Mike Gorman's professional accomplishments, which include his service to our country, exemplify the criteria the Committee seeks in honoring an American of Irish descent in the spirit of President Kennedy," said Parade President Hayley Dunn, "He is a legend in the sports world, especially among the legion of Boston Celtics fans who for over 40 years have depended on his play-by-play voice.
"Mike's Irish wit have made him a cherished figure in the sportscasting world, and I'm thrilled we will be honoring him with this award in his farewell season with the Celtics. The Committee looks forward to hosting Mr. Gorman and his family Parade weekend,” Dunn said.
The list of past John F. Kennedy National Award honorees is notable for its range of Irish-Americans from all walks of life, starting with President John F. Kennedy himself, who received the first award in 1958. A selection of other winners include Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney (1980) and his son, US Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney (2010); writers Jimmy Breslin (1977), Tom Clancy (1992) Dan Shaughnessy (2007), David McCullough (2011) and Doris Kearns Goodwin (2013); singer Carmel Quinn (1991), actress Maureen O'Hara (1982), businessman Thomas J. Flatley, astronaut Catherine Cady Coleman, and various political leaders including Senator Ted Kennedy, House Speaker Tip O'Neill, Mayor and US Ambassador Ray Flynn and Congressman Richie Neal.
During the parade weekend in Holyoke, Gorman will be honored at the JFK Award Dinner at Log Cabin on Saturday, March 16, an event open to the public. He will also be recognized at the 47th St. Patrick’s Road Race earlier in the day.
On the following day, Sunday, March 17, Gorman will march in the 71st Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade procession.
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