John, we all contribute what we can; I don't think you should be disturbed by it. I'm aware in a general way that there is a connection (the thread runs right through my own family background -- Scotch/Irish roots transplanted to West Virginia), but I can't put too fine a point on it, nor can I back it up with any scholarly research. My guess is that our friend will benefit from all sincere input on this, whether or not it rises to the level of sholarship you are looking for.

I also echo the praise for Tim O'Brien's "The Crossing". It wouldn't win high marks as a doctoral dissertation in musical anthropology, but it's good music, and an interesting exploration of the connections between musics based in Ireland and related musics based in Appalachia.