CD benefiting The National Constitution Plaque Initiative showcases American History… …by and for ordinary people, just like you and me!

Danny O’Flaherty celebrates the release of his new CD “Spirit of Freedom”

New Orleans, Louisiana, September 14, 2011- After entertaining and inspiring his dedicated fan base for over 30 years, internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, storyteller and musician, DANNY O’FLAHERTY continues to evolve with the release of his new CD, a collection of pure historical ballads, many focusing on the American Revolution. O’Flaherty uses his talents and his love of this country, to share with the rest of us, the historical significance of the people and events that made a difference in the birth of this nation.

The CD features original compositions which are drawn from the history of how this nation came to be. Co-writer of 14 of the songs, O’Flaherty provides listeners with the perfect blend of emotion, lyrics and rhythm. Our history textbooks have shown us in bold print the names of individuals and places such as; Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere, Bunker Hill, George Washington, Saratoga, Valley Forge, King's Mountain, and Yorktown but those names and places can mean nothing to us unless they are given real meaning, real life, and real evidence of why they should be remembered. True to the balladeer, O’Flaherty brings to us that meaning, as well as the spirit, the pathos, and the inspiration of that generation of Americans at the moment of our nation's founding. Here will we hear the names of Peter Francisco, James Forten, and Molly Pitcher who were among the scores of "…ordinary people just like you and me…" who fought for freedom and liberty, but whose names have never appeared in bold print. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD will directly benefit the American Constitution Spirit Foundation and its monumental effort to place the Constitution in America's Schools through its National Constitution Plaque Initiative. www.plaqueinitiative.com

About Danny O’Flaherty

Originally from Connemara, Ireland, Danny O’Flaherty is a man with vision. In his belief that we owe everything to those who have gone before us, he has dedicated his life to the preservation of the history,heritage and culture of our ancestors. In this modern age, it is refreshing to find someone who is a champion for days gone by and a crusader for those yet to come. In telling his stories and singing his songs, he takes you on a wonderful journey to the depth and breadth of his soul.

Since leaving Ireland at the age of 17, O’Flaherty has embraced the bountiful blessings of America. He has performed on the steps of the UNITED STATES CAPITOL, headlined for PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN'S INAUGURAL BALL, AND sung for POPE JOHN PAUL II in his visit to Washington, D.C. After years as an institution of the Irish American community in New Orleans, Mr. O’Flaherty and his family now make their home in Texas. His son Liam is now serving this country with the United States Marines in Afghanistan. Danny’s passion for the principles of the Founders began developing the moment his feet touched American soil in 1970 and has grown stronger ever since.

For more press information/interviews please contact Beth Eriksson at 337-936-0924, baeriksson@yahoo.com

For more information on Danny O’Flaherty, music samples, video or high resolution photos please visit: http://www.powerpresskits.com/PPKs/indexC.aspx?PPK=8503 and www.dannyoflaherty.com

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 5, 2010

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

JOIN US: 2011 OFLAHERTY CRUISE
4/15/2010

Check out our new site for all the information on the Feb. 2011 cruise. 

www.oflahertycruise.com