Adrian Flannelly is being remembered warmly in Irish and Irish American circles in the wake of his death this week.
Flannelly, a native of Co Mayo who emigrated to the US at just 17 years old in 1959, hosted his Irish radio show in New York for more than 50 years.
Through his lengthy broadcast career, he interviewed a spectacular array of guests from various walks of life.
While often entertaining, he also used his popular radio show for good, pushing for visas for young undocumented Irish and speaking up for united Ireland.
Such was Flannelly's impact that he was awarded the Irish government’s highest honor, the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, in 2021, acknowledging his work in Irish Community Support.
On Thursday, the day after Flannelly’s death was announced, the Irish Consulate in New York City, where Flannelly was a fixture at events and engagements, said: “Adrian was a pillar of the Irish community; his voice was the sound of Irish America for countless listeners and he was a powerful advocate for the community.
"In recognition of this, he was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2021.”
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Adrian Flannelly, legendary radio broadcaster & host of The Adrian Flannelly Show for the last 5 decades.
Adrian was a pillar of the Irish community; his voice was the sound of Irish America for countless listeners and he was… pic.twitter.com/HZQbCLSiz9
— Irish Consulate NYC (@IrelandinNY) July 25, 2024
Responding to the Consulate’s tribute, Tanaiste Micheal Martin described Flannelly as “a legend of Irish radio commentary in New York and a powerful advocate for the Irish community.
“Through his radio show, he became the voice of Ireland in the US.
“I enjoyed many an interview with Adrian. A thorough gentleman who made a difference.”
Also mourning Flannelly, the New York Irish Center in Long Island City said it was thrilled to have honored him with the 'Spirit of Mayo' award just last year.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Adrian Flannelly.
— New York Irish Center (@NYIrishCenter) July 25, 2024
Along with the @CoMayoFDN and @MayoDotIE we were thrilled to honor Adrian with the ‘Spirit of Mayo’ award in 2023.
Our sincere condolences to Adrian’s family & friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/dcGm1aa8FO
The Sober St. Patrick's Day organization said Flannelly was a "strong supporter of our mission to Reclaim The Day and interviewed founder Bill Reilly many times over the years."
Sean Lane, Chairman of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, recalled Flannelly's "wit, charm, grace, and a wicked sense of humor."
Michael Londra, host of "Ireland with Michael," wrote that Flannelly was "a titan in Irish America, king of Irish American media and a huge supporter of all of us artists over the years.
"He was kind and lifted us all up when we needed it."
The Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City said it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of their friend Flannelly.
Irish Rep is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend, Irish broadcaster Adrian Flannelly. We express our deepest condolences to his wife, Aine, family, and friends. We will miss him dearly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/8VJu90PAyG
— Irish Rep (@IrishRep) July 25, 2024
The Irish Arts Center in New York City said Flannelly was a “constant, trusted source of advice and encouragement in our long journey to reimagine and redevelop a New Irish Arts Center.”
Our message on the passing of our friend and broadcasting legend, Adrian Flannelly @irishradio pic.twitter.com/mOfQDhOOsN
— Irish Arts Center (@IrishArtsCenter) July 25, 2024
Tributes to Flannelly, however, have not been exclusive to the Irish community.
Former Mayor of New York City Mike Bloomberg said in a statement: “Adrian Flannelly was at the center of Irish American life for decades, and I was lucky to have his counsel, support, and friendship.
“From the peace process to the Hunger Memorial to immigration reform and so many other good causes, he used his voice - both on the air and in the halls of power - to benefit others.
“He will be greatly missed and long remembered on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Former Governor of New York George Pataki said: "The passing of Adrian Flannelly marks the end of an era for the Irish-American community.
"Adrian was not just a legendary broadcaster but a true friend and a beacon of support and inspiration. He will be missed."
Adrian Flannelly and George Pataki. (IrishRadio.com)
Comments