Jonathan Bowman to get a coveted 'Cork passport'

At the Cork Person of the Year awards historian and broadcaster Dr Jonathan Bowman will follow in the footsteps of a select group of people including Michael Flatley, Joe Schmidt, Jeremy Irons and Sir David Puttnam by being bestowed with the title of 'Honorary Corkman'.

A hugely respected political and current affairs broadcaster Mr Bowman has anchored numerous TV and radio shows during his long and distinguished career, including 'Day By Day', Today Tonight' and 'Questions and Answers'.

He currently broadcasts his weekly 'Bowman's Sunday' show on RTE Radio 1, bringing his selected recordings from the RTE archives. 

He is also first choice to handle the big outside broadcasts covering state events and most recently the TV commentary for Gay Byrne's funeral.

Indeed, in an example of the esteem in which John Bowman is held it was Gay Byrne, when asked in an interview as to his favourite TV personality, who said: "I have great regard for John Bowman - he has set a very high standard down through the years".

As an acclaimed historian Mr Bowman has also penned numerous tomes including 'Window and Mirror' a fascinating history of RTÉ.

Cork Person of the Year founder and organiser Manus O'Callaghan said the awards team has always found that Cork people admired Mr Bowman's "authoritative style and analysis in his coverage of elections and current affairs in general."

"They like what he says, and they like the way he says it. He is someone that Ireland can be proud of and we in Cork are honouring that with this award," said Manus.

Along with his award, Mr Bowman will be presented with his own unique  Republic of Cork passport and a piece of Cork Crystal.