Having been in the pub game for thirty odd years and also involved with celtic bands and session playing I have experianced both sides of the argument on many occasions regarding bands not wanting to play the same old requested song such as Fields of Athenry (Dirty Old Town and Danny Boy are another two). But if you look it as a purely business deal, pubs hire bands to entertain the public. If customers want to hear their favorite songs, I believe it's up to the band playing on the night to accommodate them. Sure the bands sick of singing them, but the customer probably doesn't hear it very often. If you don't want to play the "hoary old chestnuts" don't take on the gig". There's'this fine line isn't there, between the musicians playing in a pub for their own personal gratification and one of an obligation to the publican that hires them to work for the night. Now singing the same old song week after week in a session ,well thats another story that could be expanded but I will deal with this particular subject first

Regards Grubby