Aidan, I remember the 1950s being the dark ages of Irish traditional music and song, along came Ceoltoiri Cualann, and yes, The Clancys, the group which introduced many people to Folk.
I was caught up in the great revival and seen the young folk take to their native music with an enthusiasm which has lasted to this day, and long may it continue.
I have heard old timers say that they wouldn`t have had a look in at the earlier Fleadhs had they been competing with such talent as there is today.
Sure,Coleman and all of the other old musicians were famous in there day, but I bet they would have been astonished and proud to see and hear the marvellous new talent . Ard Mhacha.