Erin Loughran School of Irish Music & Arts
THE MUSIC HOUSE
In 2004, Martin purchased a building at 279 E. 236th Street, Bronx NY as an investment. Martin soon discovered a new way of life in an artist friendly neighborhood that appreciates music and art therapy. He believes that it keeps brain cells alive and activated. It is now his privilege to have partnered with parents, and children in the noble profession of art- music teachers who inspire and expose children to the arts of music, dance, acting and drama early on in life.
Martin has chosen to donate his surplus money to Irish and multicultural arts that have a national and international focus. Martin dreams big and wants to partner with a philanthropist to franchise out good quality arts education. This would be based on the existing flexible arts model. The program operates seven days a week from 8 AM to 11 PM with a new arts semester 52 weeks a year and is affordable to thousands of children and adults.
Mr. O’Grady wants to enhance Arts Education where municipal managements that teach Arts leave off, due to restricted budgets, that ration out a well-rounded Arts educational child development programs. Furthermore, he wants to build an Arts Bridge in Northern Ireland that would put different cultural backgrounds under the same roof, and teach Arts that would complement each others cultural heritage, and enhance community goodwill.
MARTIN O'GRADY
Born on a small farm, four miles from Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon, Ireland on May 17th 1931 to parents John and Bridget O’Grady, Martin O'Grady is the oldest son of seven children.
He was educated in Cross National School where he walked barefoot in warm weather until the age of 13 when he finished with a leaving certificate to work on the farm.
At 14, Martin landed his first job at Board Na Mona, harvesting turf. His second job was laboring for Roscommon County Counsel as a plumber
In 1956, Martin immigrated to England as a plumber and pipefitter.
In May 1959, Martin sailed on the Queen Elizabeth from South Hampton, England to New York City. Shortly after, Martin O’Grady obtained employment as a plumber. In 1965, he married his wife Anne Duchrssen and became a U.S. Citizen. They have four boys, two girls and ten grandchildren.
Martin obtained a Master Plumbers License in NYC and Westchester County and now has his own plumbing business called “O’Grady Plumbing”.
