Mayo native and renowned US broadcaster Adrian Flannelly passes away

Adrian Flannelly, a native of Attymass, Mayo, and the host of the longest-running Irish radio program in the United States, has passed away. Flannelly's radio show, the "Adrian Flannelly Show," was a staple for Irish-Americans, broadcasting for 54 years until his retirement last year.

Emigrating to the United States in 1959 at the age of seventeen, Adrian quickly became a central figure in the Irish community.

Residing in Long Beach, Long Island, he was deeply involved in Irish affairs and was a tireless advocate for Irish causes.

In 2019, Irish America Magazine inducted him into their Hall of Fame, and in 2021, he was honored with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for his remarkable contributions to the Irish community in America. At the height of his career in the 1980s and 1990s, Flannelly reached 2.5 million listeners nationwide and was affectionately known as the "voice of Ireland in America."

The New York Daily News once described him as “the Dean of the Irish Radio in the United States,” a testament to his impact and legacy. His show provided an invaluable link between Ireland and Irish immigrants in America during times when such connections were scarce.

Flannelly played a significant role in immigration reform, aiding thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants through the Morrison Visa Program.

He served as a liaison with the Irish community for former New York Governor Pataki and various New York City Mayors.

His contributions extended beyond broadcasting. Adrian was instrumental in the creation and restoration of the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery City Park. He also served on the board of the Irish Repertory Theatre and the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre and was a founding member of Project Irish Outreach, part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.

'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis'