Considering the close geographical, political and family links why have Irish tunes turned into all about playing quickly and fitting in as much ornamentation as possible whereas English tunes have relatively little ornamentation and more emphasis on the rythmn with Scottish tunes somewhere in the middle? As an example an English melodeon player of my acquaintence went to an Irish session and played some tunes which went down very well. When asked what the tunes were the regulars were astounded to find that he had been playing standard Irish tunes but in an English style. The regulars hadn't recognised them!!

Is this a modern thing? Down to competitions (of which there seem to be many in the Irish tradition) or due to the many players in the tradition in Ireland pushing each other to the limits? Or is this a gross over simplification?

Any thoughts?