I was surprised to read about Patrick O'Flaherty residing in the D.C. area; I had though of him as an adopted New Orleanian (like myself), but this explains why I haven't seen him for a while.

Patrick had been part of a local group, The Poor Clares, all of whose other members are enjoying some degree of visibility in their local solo careers. I should have noticed that Patrick was conspiuous by his absense, and now I realize that he's moved away.

His brother Danny is also a performer and singer, also bilingual in English and Irish, as well as proprietor of O'Flaherty's Irish Channel Pub in the French Quarter. I had always assumed the pub was a family business with both brothers involved as partners, but never knew for sure -- none of my business, actually.

Even when he was in town, Patrick was less visible than his brother as publican/businessman; his public identity was always that of a traditional musician, pure and simple. Danny has always taken on more of the role of "genial host" and entrepreneur first, and singer/musician second.