By Linda Elissalde
There was a lot of green on show when we entered Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center March 8, 2026 afternoon. Dear friends Ellie and Tom Pollard invited us to hear famed Irish balladeer and Celtic folk musician Danny O’Flaherty. Talented Danny and lovely wife Lisa are good friends of the Pollards. The Pollards have hosted them at their home in Crystal Beach. Those Pollards definitely have Irish green in their gene pool.
Danny is not only a talented balladeer, but an absolutely charming gentleman. He joyfully welcomed us as we entered Seafarers’Center. Tom and Ellie first heard Danny on Pleasure Pier and have followed him since the late seventies. They often visited his New Orleans venue O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel Pub, Port Arthur’s Jeff Riley’s Pub and Restaurant and attended Louisiana Celtic Festival. They all became friends. Lisa and Danny have stayed at the Pollards’ Crystal Beach home. Yes. The house is painted green.
Danny was born on the Aran Islands, Ireland. He moved to the USA in 1969 and became known for his talents as a musician, singer and songwriter. He is a master of guitar, harmonica, accordion and lute. Danny performed around the country as a part of “The Irish Minstrels”. Mr. O’Flaherty and brother Patrick formed “The Celtic Folk” who performed for Pope John Paul II in Washington D.C. They later opened their successful O’Flaherty’s Irish Channel Pub. Hurricane Katrina ended that endeavor, and Danny wound up in Texas. He was unable to perform for 5 years due to injuries from a 2015 automobile accident. He returned to touring in 2020, and in 2022 began live performances throughout the southern USA.
What a grand evening it was indeed! Mr. O’Flaherty entertained us with toe-tapping dance numbers, quiet melodies and delightful folk songs. My Cajun born husband Marcel, and I of German Ancestry, became Irish for the evening. Danny’s musical renditions had folk up and dancing. I was invited to join “The Court of King Caractacus” dance. Trust me – that is one vigorous number. Of course, Danny received a well-deserved standing ovation. He then was surprised with a birthday cake for his upcoming celebration.
The name O’Flaherty translates to mean generous and hospitable. That translation certainly describes the gifted Mr. Danny O’Flaherty. His talents and graciousness made us all Irish for a wonderful evening and proud to be a part of THE WEARING OF THE GREEN!
