I think you've got a point, Dazbo. The older clips (like other old achive stuff I've seen) do indeed sound more like English or Scottish music than much of the more modern Irish music. The same applies to the accents of many of the voices. The music had more variety of style and tempo than much of what is promoted as Irish music now, and the older celidh bands sounded more similar to modern Scottish bands, both in repertoire and in the instruments used.

I think that in recent years the Irish have tried hard to be as Irish as possible and develop the sounds and qualities that distinguish them from neighbouring cultures. This is very understandable, but it would be a pity if they were to lose touch with some of the older aspects of their music and culture.

Marje