SOUTH BOSTON — The 8th annual Boston Irish Honors recognized the Kennedy family of Dorchester (Bill, Annmarie and Nora), former Massachusetts Highway Commissioner Tom Tinlin of South Boston, and the Boston Globe’s Kevin Cullen before a packed house at the Seaport Hotel.

The event, held annually by the Boston Irish Reporter, which is marking its 27th anniversary, was chaired by Aidan Browne of Sullivan & Worcester.

Here’s a little bit of background from the newspaper on why it choose the Kennedys, Tinlin, and Cullen for the honors.

Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen was honored for his career in journalism. “Cullen, more than any other single reporter or columnist of his generation, has cultivated a sophisticated understanding of the deep ties between Boston and Ireland,” the Reporter wrote.

Tinlin, who stepped down as the state’s Highway Commissioner last summer, the newspaper wrote, “has been a trusted adviser to Mayor Tom Menino, state Sen. Linda Forry, and Gov. Charlie Baker among many others. A consummate public servant and proud son of South Boston, Tinlin and his wife, Heather, are now devoted to bringing awareness to the prevention of brain aneurysms, after Tom himself narrowly survived a life-threatening episode earlier this year.”

The Kennedy family—Nora, Annmarie, and Bill—”are a truly exemplary Boston Irish family who are constantly giving back to their community. Bill Kennedy, a partner at the Nutter law firm in Boston’s Seaport district, is a native of Dorchester who served as chief of staff and chief legal counsel to Speaker of the House Thomas M. Finneran and as an assistant clerk to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.”

Dick Flavin, the event’s emcee, opened the day by saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 8th annual Boston Irish Honors. …[I]t’s been my honor to be here for all eight Boston Irish Honors luncheons. It’s a special day on our calendar each fall. We are delighted you could join us as we welcome two new outstanding individuals and one amazing Boston family into the Irish Honors hall of fame. …It’s a great group and you can read all about them in the special commemorative newspaper that was on your seat at each table. These men and women make us look good—and they make us proud to say we’re Boston Irish. We’re excited to get started and to get you fed!”

All photos are by Margaret Brett Hastings.