Like you, gnu, I'm an aussie of Irish (and scottish) descent, and grew up on a diet of music and stories, handed down over generations. My father was a wonderful singer and storyteller, and a wonderful man.

Its interesting that Ken Loach has commented that The Wind That Shakes The Barley is a critique of today's war in Iraq. He has also said, "Our film is a little, a very little step in the British confronting their imperialist history. And maybe if we tell the truth about the past, maybe we tell the truth about the present."

Palm d'Or at Cannes is no mean achievement - I look forward to seeing it.

freda