Only my two cents worth,but any dumping on the Clancy's that has occured,I feel is simply because they were TOO succesful as a world-renowned professional act,made a pile of money,and for a few years became a kind of "folk industry",for want of a better term.
They introduced a whole generation of us here in North America and home in Ireland to the songs/history of our homeland;never overly self-righteous,often with great good humor...all,I think,had some theatrical background,that,along with the "sweaters" was used to good effect to sell the music ..I see not too much wrong with that...most importantly,all four were strong,magnificient singers,articulate spokesmen on stage,and had more energy,drive and balls than any other such act I've ever seen[and I think I've seen most of them]....as the group evolved,I felt that the lineups with Lou Killen,then Bobby and Robbie O'Connell' was not quite as dynamic[no offence to those three fine singers]...but,by then,maybe the songs HAD become a little too familiar.....I still thrill to their performance of "Legion of the rear guard"with the whole song being driven just by Liam's great,driving,rythym on a Nylon-stringed guitar,no less!....Tom's poetic readings were state-of-the-art;then almost unknown among folk acts,etc.......thankfully Tommy is still going strong,Liam has done some fine work with his son,Donal,and nephew Robbie....Tom,Paddy and Bobby have passed on.......a wonderful legacy ........