A renowned Irish radio presenter from Co Mayo, who established himself as the “sound of the Irish in America” through his New York based radio show for over half a century, has been interred in his homeland. Adrian Flannelly passed away on July 24th at North Shore University Hospital in New York, surrounded by his loved ones.
“Adrian Flannelly Show” was the premier talk radio show for the Irish American community, broadcasting from 1969 through to 2023. Flannelly, born in 1942, migrated to the US at 17 in 1959.
Starting his show at a time when transatlantic communication was challenging, he served as a crucial connection for Irish American immigrants. In the peak of his career in the ’80s and ’90s, he garnered a nationwide listenership of 2.5 million.
Eileen, his daughter, shared with those gathered for his funeral at St Peter’s Church, Little Bray, Co Wicklow, that his father was instrumental in the Morrison and Donnelly visa programmes. Said programmes facilitated Irish individuals moving and working in the US legally. She acknowledged his crucial role in assisting undocumented Irish immigrants in charting a legal trajectory to stay in the US.
Eileen read aloud some heartfelt messages received from significant individuals in the Irish American community in memory of her father. Messages expressed their deep sorrow at Adrian’s passing, gratitude for his pivotal impact in their lives and the way his contributions brought honour and respect to the entire Irish American fraternity.
Eileen reflected back on her adolescence in the 1980s, admitting that she wasn’t truly aware of the magnitude of what her father was achieving. She recalled that the significance of his work and his fervour truly dawned on her when she read about it. Describing her father as humble to a fault, she pointed out that his humility underscored the incredible scope of what he was doing.
She admired his capability to influence others’ lives without expecting any gains in return, terming it nothing short of extraordinary. Her father, whose popular radio show struck a chord with an array of people, including politicians, entertainers, and celebrities, was known for his inclusive nature. Moreover, his legendary annual eight-hour St Patrick’s Day broadcast, where prominent figures queued up to share the microphone with him, was a sought-after invitation.
Father James McPartland, the Mass celebrant, highlighted that love was central to Flannelly, a man known for his many acts of kindness. His stellar work in immigration reform was notable. His significant role in establishing the Irish Hunger Memorial in New York’s Battery City Park was noteworthy. He also made essential contributions to the Irish Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre and was instrumental in initiating Project Irish Outreach, an offshoot of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.
Flannelly’s contributions to the Irish community in America earned him the prestigious Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2021. Mike Bloomberg, a previous New York mayor, highlighted Flannelly’s influential role in Irish American society spanning many years. He admired how Flannelly used prestige to assist others, emphasizing his influential role in activities ranging from the peace process to reforming immigration.
Flannelly left behind his wife, Aine Sheridan, their grown-up children Linda, Paul, Eileen, and Kathleen, as well as his grandchildren, a host of friends, extended family members, and a dedicated listener base. Flannelly was buried in the cemetery adjoining St Peter’s Church following the Mass.
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