"a hundred years ago. I"
The clergy's attitude to dancing and music lasted up to the point when, in co-operation with the government, it helped introduce the 'Dance Halls Act' which destroyed music making in the homes - the crossroads dances had virtually disappeared with the assistance of the parish priest's stick, when he beat the participants and smashed their instruments and outlawed their music.
The churches role in the destruction of Irish music is well established Joe.
I one attended a talk given by one of our finest local fiddle players, Junior Crehan - then into his his 80s
He was one of the most devout Christians I have ever met, yet as he spoke with fondness and pleasure of the kitchen dances and the home music, he ended by looking pointedly at a row of priests and nuns in the audience and said "And my curse on those who destroyed them".
Don't think I've ever seen such an uncomfortable group of people!
Not funny and quaint Joe - tragic and mindlessly destructive
Scotland suffered equally at the hands of the church and the Chapel helped destroy Welsh music.
Traditional music in England never has the same national significance, but I believe that the church played a significant part in damaging 'The Devil's Music' in your neck of the woods
Jim Carroll