RTÉ journalist Mr Tommie Gorman was today named the 2001 European of the Year in recognition of his efforts to inform people about European issues when he was the station's European Editor for 12 years.
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Tommie Gorman
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President McAleese presented Mr Gorman with the award today in Dublin where he was congratulated for his comprehensive radio and television reports on EU institutions, work and the EU’s relationship with Ireland.
Mr Groman was the fourteenth recipient of the European Movement’s award. Other finalists included the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, Phillip Hamill, Roy Keane and Professor Brigid Laffan.
A native of Sligo, Mr Gorman is a past pupil of Summerhil College as are former recipients Mr Ray Mac Sherry and Mr Albert Reynolds. Following his studies at the College of Journalism in Rathmines, Dublin, Mr Gorman worked as a reporter in Ballina-based Western Journal.
From there Mr Gorman joined RTÉ in 1980 and worked as the station’s North Western Correspondent until 1989 when he moved to Brussels as RTÉ’s European Editor. In 2001 he was appointed RTÉ’s Northern Editor in Belfast.
His work includes a series of TV documentaries on the EU pre-accession countries and he also participated in a TV documentary about his personal experiences of the European health system.
At today’s awards recognition was also given to the to Mr Hamell, chairman of the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland, for his contribution and work as a representative of those involved in Ireland’s changeover to the euro.
At the ceremony today the Chairman of the European Movement, Mr Alan Gills, said the success of Mr Hamell’s efforts set a high precedent for all those working in the European area.