Adrian Flannelly, pictured with family, was honored at the Spirit of Kylemore Awards in 2023.
The Benedictine nuns at Kylemore Abbey in County Galway have paid tribute to the late Adrian Flannelly.
In a statement the community said: "Adrian Flannelly was a proud Mayo man, always ready to help Irish people, causes and charities. For over fifty years - in New York city and beyond - Adrian championed numerous Irish initiatives, including the Northern Ireland peace process, immigration reform and the rights of the Irish undocumented, as well as the Great Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park. His advocacy and commitment to the Irish diaspora in America won him an Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2021.
"Adrian also lent his support and voice to our Benedictine community at Kylemore Abbey in Co. Galway, welcoming us on his radio show on many occasions over the years – with Mother Maire Hickey OSB, Sr. Magdalena FitzGibbon OSB, and our friend Fordham Law Dean John Feerick being frequent guests on his show.
"Adrian was a strong advocate for Kylemore’s campaign to build the first female Benedictine monastery in Ireland in over 400 years and did much to help our US fundraising efforts. He served as master of ceremonies for two fundraising concerts; attended and promoted our events on his radio show and was honored at the 3rd Annual Spirit of Kylemore benefit in New York City in 2023 alongside Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Christine McGuinness.
"We mourn Adrian’s passing along with his beloved wife, Aine Sheridan, and his children and grandchildren. We cherish the friendship and support he gave us through the years, and we pray in Irish (Gaelic) for his eternal rest: Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal. With heartfelt gratitude, The Benedictine Community of Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway, Ireland."
