Two recommendations for anyone who'd like an idea of what sean-nos singing is - and its relation to Irish traditional singing in English.

(i) "Amhrain ar an Sean-Nos" is a compilation CD drawn from the archives of RTE, the national radio station. Mostly studio recordings in the late fifties/early sixties, with some field recordings.Songs (in Irish) and singers from all over the country. Words in Irish, outlines in English and good notes.

(ii) "Hurry the Jug" is a compilation CD drawn from classic Topic label recordings of Irish traditional singers around the same period. Mostly field recordings. Almost all in English. These are the sources from which many of the later well-known singers drew inspiration and songs.

Where to get them? try "Ulstersongs" at http://members.aol.com/jmoul81075/ulstsong.htm
Tell John Moulden I sent you! I'll add him to the links page.

Each of the above is 78 mins long - so there's great value as well.

Regards