For many years, the sound of traditional Irish music echoing throughout the Greenbrier Valley has meant one thing: Patrick O’Flaherty is playing. His voice and array of instruments have become a defining part of the region’s cultural heartbeat: recognizable, beloved, and impossible to miss.
Alongside his wife, Andrea Izzo, Patrick helped shape The Irish Pub into a true gathering place—one built on community, conversation, and the music that made it unforgettable. Even after their time running the pub came to an end, Patrick’s music continued to ring out across the valley, connecting people in libraries, pubs, festivals, and patios alike.
Now, a new chapter begins as another closes. As Andrea returns to her calling as a teacher for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students, the couple is preparing to move to New Orleans. While Andrea looks ahead to the classroom, Patrick is preparing to take the stage for a final series of shows in the place he’s long called home.
Both will be dearly missed.
“First Fridays at Patina will never be the same again with Patrick’s departure from Lewisburg,” says Patina vendor Willow Kelly. “For six years, Patrick has been regaling and cajoling friends, customers, and innocent passers-by with his sharp wit and classic Celtic airs within the acoustically-suited walls of Patina. Indeed, Patrick has become a fixture at Patina, and is cherished for much more than his musical skills. Our friend Patrick will be greatly missed, and we bid him and his wife Andrea good fortune as they celebrate their Independence with their move to New Orleans.”
That warm sentiment is echoed throughout the community, and this July offers a chance for fans and friends to say farewell.
On July 4 from 4 to 8 PM, Patina will host the first of Patrick’s final three performances. “Join us First Friday in July for another round of laughter, joy, and camaraderie, as well as complimentary Guinness, wine, and Girl Scout Cookies,” invites Willow.
On July 11 from 5 to 8 PM, Hawk Knob will host Patrick’s final performance at the cidery, celebrating a decade-long friendship. Amanda Bennett, Hawk Knob Chef/Manager, reflects: “The grand opening party for Hawk Knob 10 years ago was at the Washington Street Pub that Patrick and his wife formerly owned, where he performed for the celebration of releasing our brand. Patrick has been a part of the Hawk Knob family since the very beginning. Our friendship with Patrick will always be cherished. Experiencing his Celtic music on the patio by the pond is one of the most unique experiences in town. Cheers and best wishes, always, from your Hawk Knob Family.”
The final local performance happens July 15 from 3 to 8 PM at Mountain Table, where Patrick’s last local show will be paired with Smash Burger Night. Says Nadine Sonneville, Mountain Table Roast-Maistress, “We are incredibly honored and excited to announce a truly special event coming up at Mountain Table! We have the distinct privilege of hosting Patrick O’Flaherty’s final live performance in West Virginia – and on the entire East Coast– before he makes his big move to New Orleans! This is a rare opportunity to experience Patrick’s incredible talent one last time in our region. It’s going to be a memorable evening, and we can’t think of a better way to send him off.” Due to expected turnout, reservations are highly recommended by calling/texting Mountain Table at 304-667-4504 or e-mailing hello@mountaintablewv.com.
When asked about the move, Andrea shares, “We’ll miss it here, but we’ll come back to visit.”
Patrick, in turn, reflects deeply on his time in the Greenbrier Valley:
“I would like to thank everybody that supported us at the Pub, and all my music that I played everywhere. All around town, in the state of West Virginia, every place I played for Saint Patrick’s Day events, all the people… You’d need the entire newspaper to name everyone I’m grateful to.”
And it’s no exaggeration. From performances at the White Sulphur Springs and Ronceverte Public Libraries to the West Virginia Renaissance Festival and the Hillsboro Pub, Patrick has left his mark on stages big and small. Every venue holds a memory, and every memory is cherished. He also extends heartfelt thanks to longtime friends Bobbi and Angus MacIvor, noting their help with posters and event photos throughout the years.
His music and his presence have left a lasting impression. And while this may be goodbye for now, it’s not forever. You can follow the next phases of Patrick’s musical journey at www.poflaherty.com.
As the old Irish blessing says: “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back…”
With that spirit, we send Patrick and Andrea off with love, gratitude, and joy—for all the songs sung, and all those still to come.
