The bassist with Celtic punk band the Dropkick Murphys, Ken Casey, is being honored with an Irish Heroes of New England award in recognition of his fundraising efforts to aid the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

On hearing he had been chose for the Boston award he said, “We were humbled by the kindness of our friends and fans who got behind this cause with so much heart and passion.

“It was truly an honor to be able to represent them and contribute, even if in a small way, to help these inspirational individuals.”

The awards, held in Boston at historic Faneuil Hall on November 7, will honor those Irish Americans who showcased, through selfless acts of bravery and dedication, all that is good in the Irish American community.

Casey has always been a a keen supporter of local charities in the Boston area so much so that in 2009, he founded The Claddagh Fund.

The aim of his charity is to raise funds for worthy, under funded non-profits that support the most vulnerable individuals, focusing on children and veterans' organizations, as well as alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, not only in the city of Boston but nationwide and on a global scale.

After the Boston Bombings, Casey and his band mates responded swiftly by organizing a benefit show at Boston's House of Blues to raise funds for those affected by the tragedy.

Dropkick Murphys, known for their pride in both being Irish American and coming from Boston, cemented their status as hometown heroes when they raised over $300,000 in a matter of weeks through sales of CDs, t-shirts and their benefit show.