Yes, in Irish pubs with a "cabaret" type of music, principally at week-ends, "Country" bands do play, there are some down our way too, but, if you go to a run -of-the-mill, small town or village pub that has a singer's session, then you won't hear very much C and W , nor C and I either for that matter.
You mention the '90s Patriot ? Have you been travelling much in Ireland of late ??
In my area there are dozens of young traditional musicians, some of whom are even hired to play for the tourists, several nights a week in hotels and larger pubs, and, I don't think we are in any way unique in Ireland.