Virgen: John Ireland to be roasted and toasted on St. Patrick’s Day

John Ireland has worked as the master of ceremonies several times at Irrelevant Week’s signature event, the All-Star Lowsman Trophy banquet, and has helped with the roasting of Mr. Irrelevant and others affiliated with the fun event.

Now the tables are turning on Ireland, who will be “honored” as the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation Sportsman of the Year. Ireland, the radio announcer for the Lakers and an ESPN radio personality, will be roasted and toasted on a special day that coincides with his last name.

Ireland’s friends will be cracking jokes about him on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

The OCYSF Sportsman of the Year has a history that dates back to 1971. Only two other sportscasters have received the honor, Dick Enberg in 1999 and Jim Nantz in 2007. Someone will have to tell me the OC ties that Enberg and Nantz have.

Ireland is from Newport Beach, and a proud alum of Corona del Mar High School, where he “played” basketball.

The press release for Ireland’s event refers to him as a “Pine Bro,” on the 1981 CdM CIF Southern Section championship team.

The release also reads: “He was well known to shoot a lot, played little or no defense, but could recite the statistics of any player on the court – on both his team and the opponent. This uncanny ability served him well as he has a career in sportscasting that has spanned 30 years, in multiple cities, on both radio and TV.”

Ireland has been a part of the media for a very long time. His first job was delivering the Daily Pilot. That was back when he went to middle school at Corona del Mar.

I’m sure Ireland will find a way to give a shout-out to his favorite community newspaper. There will be a good amount of jokes and roasting for Ireland, but there also be plenty of deserving compliments too. Ireland is very humble and really down-to-earth. He always enjoys working with various charities.

OCYSF provides funding for sports related activities to Orange County youth with financial, physical or behavioral challenges.

Ireland is a very positive person. I’m sure he’ll be fine with the roasting.

Cost for a single seat to the event is $225, or sponsoring a table is available ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. There will also be a live and silent auction for which OCYSF is still looking for donated items.

There will be a golf tournament at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach on March 16 for event sponsors. All proceeds benefit local youth sports organizations and scholarships and grants for young athletes in Orange County.

For more information about the event go to www.ocysf.org or contact John Ursini at [email protected].