Well Bernard there are a very very small - less than 7 - accordianists ever who managed to get it vaguely correct. Mr Gallagher of Co Sligo being the one today. It used be Joe Cooley but he died - too much smoking Players Navy Cut and drinking Guinness - Actually I never did meet Mr Gallagher but have heard enough to know the rumors are correct. He is a Musician who plays the Accordian not the other way around.

Eating my words - one Brother and a Sister both played it, one cousin and several Professional retired now friends -

They would tell you the same thing as I have. Just play the Tin Whistle as best you can and eventually you will out play any free reed instrument under the table - but please remember to lift the Guinness before it gets spoiled.

Yes the Accordian is beautifull, yes it is capable in Celtic, but it is not the source nor the leader of the Genre as are the Tin Whistle and Flute.

Because it is loud does not make it better - it just makes it louder. IMHO a session of capable fiddlers and flutes is far far better for the lack of the unmentionable and indeed it is only since 1890 or so that the knee organ has become a part of the tradition.

Now in case you think me prejudiced - I actually can play a few tunes on it and it is fun to do, but if I want to get 'into' a good tune I do it on the fiddle or those I can play - on the Penny Whistle.

Now will ya not have a large glass of Guinness with me and tell me a good story?