The Boston Celtics have a deep connection to the Republic of Ireland, which is evident in their name, branding, and numerous other club-related elements.
But how did this team in the United States embrace their Irish identity so passionately? Read on as we dive into their history and journey through the Celtics’ unique connection to Ireland.
From New York to Boston
The Boston Celtics' roots can be traced back to New York. Irish-American businessman Frank McCormack established the basketball team, and most of the roster was made up of Irish players.
McCormack named his newly formed team the Celtics after their cultural heritage. They were first known as the Original Celtics and dazzled fans on their travels in the 1920s.
However, despite their promising start, things began to turn sour. There were financial problems and constant disputes over name rights, and the team was eventually dissolved in the 1930s.
Even though the team did not last long, it left a lasting legacy—one so powerful that it influenced Walter Brown, who founded the Boston Celtics in 1946.
The name selection was intentional. Brown recognized the considerable Irish-American populace and wanted to honor the culture and basketball legacy of the Original Celtics.
“Boston is full of Irishmen,” Brown famously said. “We’ll put them in green uniforms and call them the Boston Celtics.”
Apart from the name and jerseys, they also chose Lucky, the leprechaun mascot, and the four-leaf clover for the logo. These are famous symbols in Irish folklore and have been embraced by the Celtics.
The Irish Influence in Boston
Several Irish immigrants fled the Great Famine that ravaged the Emerald Isle between 1845 and 1852 and settled in Boston. They soon became fully-fledged members of the society they had joined.
They began to shape important social fabrics such as culture, politics, and general discourse. Today, areas such as South Boston and Charlestown are heavily Irish.
The Celtics embraced Irish symbols and became more than a basketball team, especially for the Irish people. They became a source of pride for the Irish-American core, and that love seeped back to Ireland.
The Celtics became a favorite of many Irish sports fans. The team adopted a green and white uniform borrowed from Ireland's flag, which features Lucky the Leprechaun with his hat and mischievous smile.
A Team That Makes History
Star duo Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum spearheaded the franchise to their 18th NBA Championship as they defeated the Dallas Mavericks under the guidance of Joe Mazzulla in 2024. They overtook the Los Angeles Lakers to become the team with the most NBA titles.
Boston has enjoyed long stretches of dominance, such as between 1959 and 1966, when they won eight titles on the trot.
The Celtics also broke barriers in the game, becoming the first team to draft an African-American player, Chuck Cooper, in 1959. They also hired the first black coach in the NBA, Bill Russell, in 1966.
The team has always been committed to innovation and inclusion, and these values remain in the modern era.
Irish Fans and the NBA
Basketball has grown in popularity in Ireland, and the Celtics are beloved. Their ties to Irish culture have made them popular among basketball bettors in the Emerald Isle.
When the Celtics play, you will find Irish fans cheering them on in pubs, living rooms, and via online betting platforms. Popular betting sites such as 22bet Ireland are inundated with wagers backing the Celtics to come out on top whenever they play.
The Irish are big on sports betting and love wagering on the Celtics. Their support often results in Irish bookmakers making sizeable payouts.
The Celtic connection with Ireland is more than symbolism and borrowed culture. The Celtics have built a strong relationship with Irish communities, hosting events to celebrate their beautiful heritage.
The Celtics have hosted Irish Nights at their arena. They tribute their Irish roots with music and festivities to celebrate this incredible shared connection.
The bond feels genuine and authentic. The Celtics have tapped into Irish culture, which has made them one of the most loved NBA teams among their fans with Irish heritage.
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