I am very honored to be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for preserving the culture and heritage of the currach on September 13^th in Galway, Ireland.   Although I am very grateful to accept this award, I feel it is not about the awards which I, or anyone else receives, it is really about passing on the culture to our future generations. 

I am happy that I have been able to contribute to the preservation of currach rowing, not only in Ireland, but here in the United States as well.  We are currently working hard at developing a junior program in Lake Charles, Louisiana and I am delighted to be able to tell you that we already have 20-25 youth participating.  This all started in 1991 when we held our first currach regatta, which we surrounded by the Celtic Nations Heritage Festival.  Since that first regatta and festival, I have put my heart and soul into helping to create an organization whose mission is to pass on a legacy of Celtic culture and traditions to future generations.  Without organizations such as the foundation and events like the Celtic Nations Heritage Festival, our culture, heritage and legacy will die.

Throughout the past 17 years, I have worked with many wonderful and dedicated people to keep the dream alive and put on festivals and regattas to share our Celtic heritage.  We have had good years and lean years but we have always persevered with the help of generous donors.  Our current group of board members and volunteers are on the right track.  They believe in the mission and it has become a part of who they are too.

After so many years, last year, for the first time, we were blessed to be recognized by Culture Ireland, a branch of the Irish Government, which promotes cultural events abroad.   Culture Ireland has acknowledged our festival as one of the premiere festivals in North America and a true cultural event.

I know you understand why this is so important to me, it is a part of who I am and a part of what I believe.  That is why I would be very grateful for your continued support of our mission and one way to help me with this would be becoming a member of the Celtic Circle of the Celtic Nations Heritage Foundation.  If you wish to find our more information about the Celtic Circle and to join, please visit their website at www.celticnations.org.

Thank all of you for your help in keeping the culture alive for a strong heritage and a promising tomorrow!

God Bless,

Danny