Culture is promoted through a series of both formal and informal networks. I don't think CCE could begin to replace the vast wealth of collective memory, archiving and encouragement that goes on in kitchens, pubs, church halls and other nooks and crannies. I don't get the impression that CCE wants to do that. It would be safe to say Comhaltas has contributed to a general level of competence and literacy about traditional music. Musicians with as diverse styles as Seamus Eagan, Matt Cranitch and Seamus Connolly are all products, in part of Comhaltas instruction and competitions. It is really up to ameteurs to worry about variation, diversity and all the neglected imformation. Amateur botanists and astronomers make valuable contributions to science all the time. Any musician who wields a fiddle or puts their fingers around a whistle is making a significant contribution.

Brían