Ruth,it is quicker for me to get to London, than it is for me to go to Connemara.
Dave you accused me of talking nonsense,Iam not.,but you are
I said that Glor na gael organised competitions.
The standard was very high,It was organised according to different age groups ,there were competitions,for violin, singing, whistle,and an overall musician of the day.
Please dont insult the participants,by comparing it to a beetle drive,you were not there ,I was,and I repeat the standard was high.
But then if you have been to Ireland youwould know that the standard of playing amongst children is very high,thanks to the competition and examination system and the efforts of teachers like myself.
Scarborough Sea fest was very well attended,again I was there you were not.
I cant talk about the competition at Saltburn festival[FredJordan memorial]for traditional singing,ButIunderstand from reading on MUDCAT it was successful,Ihope the Cheltenham festival competition was successful,John Adams should know.
The Comhaltas and GAA SCOR competitions are also successful and popular.
Comhaltas GAA SCOR and Glor na Gael,all organise music competitions,all three of them have competitions in the irish language.
I do think the Comhaltas music structure would work for England, examinations are already working successfully[but as far asIknow EFDSS has no input again].
Comhaltas are also teaching music in many different areas of England,are the EFDSS? .