Described as “the Dean of Irish Radio in the U.S.” by the New York Daily News; “a promoter of incredible charm and energy” by New York Newsday; “an entertainer, a lobbyist and an entrepreneur” by The Irish Times and “an avuncular host” by The New York Times, Adrian has been a major force on the Irish cultural and political scene in the United State since 1970.

He has dedicated his career as a broadcast journalist, community leader and promoter, to illuminating issues of concern to the American Irish community. Using his popular radio shows as a conduit for change, Flannelly helped reform visa lotteries and US immigration laws, legalizing thousands of undocumented Irish in the 80s and 90s.

 Four decades and thousands of interviews onwards, Adrian continues to broadcast live from his prestigious Madison Avenue studios and Irish Radio Network USA.

 In 2000 the Irish Government appointed Flannelly as U.S. Representative on its Task Force on “Policy towards Emigrants”; an initiative of current Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Prime Minister of Ireland.

 He serves as New York State Irish Cultural Liaison for the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City, adjacent to Ground Zero. (The recreated famine cottage and  half-acre field was transported from Flannelly’s native parish of Attymass. Co. Mayo, Ireland) – a major attraction for millions of visitors to NYC since 2001.

 In 2005 he was appointed Chief Advisor for Irish Tourism by NYC & Company - NYC’s official tourism board.

 Referring to Adrian Flannelly as his “good friend”, Mayor Bloomberg appointed him Irish Cultural Liaison to City Hall in January 2007. Adrian organized the Mayor’s 3 trips to Ireland- Ballymote, Co.Sligo for Memorial Dedication to NY’s Fighting 69th in August ’06;  Knock Airport, Co.Mayo to launch 1st transatlantic direct flight to New York in January ‘07 and as a delegate to the US N. Ireland Investment Conference in Belfast May 08, Adrian facilitated Mike Bloomberg’s 1st visit to N. Ireland where the NY Mayor was keynote speaker..

Among his proudest involvements: Founding Board Member of: Emerald Isle Immigration Center, The Irish Repertory Theatre and Ireland Chamber of Commerce USA (ICCUSA) and co-founder Project Irish Outreach Catholic Charities, (Archdiocese of New York).  He continues to be cited as one of the “Top 100 Irish Americans”.

 Adrian has been the recipient of numerous proclamations and awards including:

• New York Post Freedom Liberty Medal 2004       
• City of New York Immigration Reform Advocacy
• National Ancient Order of Hibernians Media Person of the Year
• St.Patrick’s Day declared "Adrian Flannelly Day" in NYC by Mayors Koch (1988), Giuliani (1995)and in New York State by Governor George Pataki -2003
• March 17th declared “Adrian Flannelly Day” in  the U.S. Congressional Record-1996
• Emerald Society of the New York Police Department (NYPD)
• New York City Council and Office of the Comptroller
• Presented with Police Service N.Ireland Badge by Chief Constable PSNI
• New York City Board of Education
• Irish Business Organization of New York
• New York City Council
• American Irish Musicians Society
• Mayo Associations in New York and Dublin, Ireland
• National Association of Irish American Republicans (NAIAR)