I've noticed that Danny Boy is sometimes better received as an uptempo swing rhythm instrumental. In any event, that's how my fiddle/guitar and concertina/guitar duos prefer to play it.

I wouldn't say I sneer at any kind of music except perhaps screamo and rap, but I don't enjoy Fields Of Anthenry very much, it's right up there with Billy Don't Be A Hero and Colour My World. The inanity of some modern country lyrics bore me to tears but I don't find the music offensive.