Danny's Solo Row Press Release
5/5/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 5, 2010

CONTACT INFORMATION: BETH ERIKSSON 337-564-4702

Solo Row across Lake Pontchartrain Raises Funds to Carry on a Time-Honored Tradition

New Orleans, LA: At daybreak, on June 21, 2010, Danny O’Flaherty, folksinger( www.dannyoflaherty.com) and native of Connemara in Ireland’s County Galway, will set off on a grueling solo row in an Irish currach across Lake Pontchartrain to raise money to bring Irish rowers to Louisiana in November 2010 to participate in the World Cup Currach Regatta and provide demonstrations of these historical vessels.

He will be rowing twenty-four miles and would like to raise $500 for each mile he rows for a total of $12,000 to cover the expenses of bringing the rowers over from Ireland.  O’Flaherty grew up with his uncle and father fishing in a currach off the Aran Islands and Connemara, which developed in him a deep appreciation and love for currach life and Celtic maritime. Years later when he immigrated to America he saw a decline in Ireland in the interest and appreciation of the ancient culture of the currach. The currach is a canvas boat that has deep roots in the heritage of the Irish people. It is similar to the boat that St. Brendan used when he came to America. It was then that O’Flaherty began what is now a nineteen-year mission to keep this ancient part of the Celtic culture alive. O’Flaherty is determined not to let the ties to this maritime history die because as he states, “It is a vital part of our humanity to be in touch with our roots, whether it be in arts, sports, music or folk life.”

In 1994, Danny began working with a group of currach enthusiasts in Ireland to help re-establish the wonderful tradition of currach racing. This group formed Coiste Lar Na gCurrachai (Central Currach Committee) whose objective was to promote currach racing in Ireland. In turn, Danny and the Celtic Nations Heritage Foundation established the World Cup Currach Regatta to create an opportunity for the Irish rowers to represent Ireland in America. Each year rowers in Ireland now compete in regattas in County Kerry, County Limerick, County Clare, County Galway, County Mayo and County Donegal, with the award being a trip to Louisiana for both the winning men’s and women’s teams, to compete in the World Cup Currach Regatta. Due to budget cuts in grant funding and a weak economy, last year was the first year since 1994 that there was not enough funding to bring the rowers to the World Cup Regatta.  This belief in the culture and what it offers future generations is why O’Flaherty has decided to put himself on the line and take on such a difficult challenge. If you would like more information on the history of the currach, the World Cup Regatta or this fundraiser please visit the website listed below. If you would like to help Danny O’Flaherty reach his goal, you can donate by sending your donation to The Margaret Currach Club, C/O 1021 4th Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 (make checks payable to The Margaret Currach Club) or if you would like to donate by credit card visit     www.firstgiving.com/worldcupcurrachregatta

     For more information about this fundraiser or to schedule an interview with Danny O’Flaherty, please contact Beth Eriksson at 337-564-4702 or email her at hybrasyl@yahoo.com.

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