Former Congressman Joe Crowley of Queens will be among the distinguished honorees at the 2025 IrishCentral Legal Elite Awards this November, an event that celebrates leaders whose work reflects the shared values of integrity, service, and cultural pride that define the Irish-American community.
Recognized for his decades of public service, deep connection to Ireland, and tireless advocacy for Irish-American causes, Crowley joins a slate of prominent figures from law, politics, and business who embody the spirit of Irish influence and excellence across the United States.
Growing up in Queens in a house humming with Irish folk songs and stories of immigration, Joe Crowley says the title “Irish-American” is one “I’m particularly proud of.” All four of his grandparents came from Ireland with his father’s parents arriving from Counties Cavan and Louth and his mother immigrating as a young child from County Armagh.
“My Irish heritage was more than background—it was the frame through which I saw the world,” Crowley told IrishCentral.
“As an Irish-American, I’ve always looked to Ireland and my Irish history and heritage for inspiration.”
His father followed in his own father’s footsteps as a New York City police officer, later becoming a detective, and Crowley considered professions in both law enforcement and the priesthood before choosing public service. He remembers volunteering on his uncle Walter Crowley’s city council campaign and being “hooked” on politics early on.
Crowley says he absorbed from a young age the call for social justice and community engagement.
“My parents encouraged my siblings and I to be engaged in our community and to understand the need for social justice,” he reflected.
Joe Crowley speaking at an Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform town hall meeting..
His family’s strong ties to the story of The Troubles in Northern Ireland left a mark.
“My mother is from South Armagh and I read of the peaceful marches of 1968 … basically, a mirror of what was happening here during the Civil Rights movement. The Nationalist community in the North identified with Martin Luther King Jr and John Lewis, and their dedication to non-violence. This greatly influenced not only my understanding of what was happening in Ireland, but I learned to appreciate the human struggle for justice and rights that we see here in the U.S. and around the world.”
In his family's living room, music served as more than entertainment—it became a bridge between culture and connection.
“Music was a big part of my upbringing, and it still is today. Some of my best memories are of sitting around the living room with my family, singing old Irish folk songs.”
He carries these memories into his day-to-day life and passes them on to his own children. He believes the tradition of music influenced his political style, too.
“Music has always been a way for me to connect with people. Whether it’s with constituents or colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it helps break down walls and find a little common ground. And I think that’s shaped a lot of how I approach politics, too.”
Turning his gaze to the Irish-American community today, Crowley highlights a deep and enduring cultural pride.
“What really stands out to me is the pride Irish Americans have in their culture— it runs deep! I think that sense of pride has helped keep our traditions alive through generations.”
He also cautions that evolving communities must hold fast to traditions while embracing engagement. “
As our communities grow and evolve, it’s even more important to keep supporting the cultural institutions that bring people together… These are the places where people connect and carry those traditions forward. And I think that sense of connection is what drives civic life, too. When people feel rooted in something larger than themselves, they’re more likely to show up, get involved, and give back. And we need that more than ever.”
IrishCentral Legal Elite Awards
Now set to receive honour at the IrishCentral Legal Elite Awards in November at the American Irish Historical Society, Crowley sees this acknowledgment as deeply personal and symbolic.
“It is an honor to receive this award and I thank the leadership of IrishCentral,” he said.
"My involvement in Irish and Irish American issues has always been deeply personal, rooted in my family’s story. This recognition is a reminder of the enduring bond between Ireland and America — a connection built on shared history, culture and values.”
Ending with a direct message to the IrishCentral readership, Crowley said: “My message to readers is simple: the strong relationship between our two countries thrives when we stay engaged, stand up for our values, and carry forward the spirit of community that has always defined us.”