New York, NY – New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council Members will honor New York Police Department Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly at a celebration of Irish Heritage and Culture tomorrow night. Speaker Quinn will present Kelly with the Thomas Manton Irish Man of the Year Award for the Commissioner’s commitment to keeping New York City the safest big city in America.

“New York City is fortunate to have Ray Kelly as our police commissioner and we are proud to salute him with the Thomas Manton Irish Man of the Year award. Historic declines in violent crime began when Kelly first led the NYPD in the early 1990s. His return to the department after the attacks of September 11, 2001 helped restore New Yorkers’ sense of safety and security when we needed it most,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “With his continuing efforts to keep our City, State, and Nation safe, Commissioner Kelly is an inspiring example of the great tradition of Irish American public service.”

“I am honored to accept the Manton Award on behalf of the men and women of the New York City Police Department who, often at risk to their own lives, have made the city so safe for their fellow New Yorkers,” said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.

Kelly traces his Irish heritage to the West of Ireland in the counties of Roscommon and Longford. Past recipients of the Thomas Manton Irish Man of the Year Award include U.S. Senators Ted Kennedy and George Mitchell.

The Council will also honor Mae O’Driscoll of the Co. Cork Association of NY and Nurse Regina Shane for her service at the World Trade Center site. The FDNY Pipes and Drums will perform. The celebration of Irish Heritage and Culture will be held on Wednesday, March 30th. For more information, please call 212.442.1649 or email events@council.nyc.gov. Space is limited.