That thread doesn't look particularly unfriendly - but I noticed that, when you click on the link it gives for "SORCHA DORCHA- Ballad and Ceile Band" , it takes you to that porn site there was a link to earlier in this thread. Which could just be the kind of daft thing that happens to links, rather than necessarily intentional and malicious. Or maybe not.

Could it be that the link between political songs and Irish songs and music is easier made back in Ireland? And a singer who's respected in Ireland is going to have more acceptance in New York, along with their politics. Less threatening perhaps than a local singer geared to local (American) issues. Whereas the domestic protest and radical song tradition seems to have been with American type music rather than Irish.

Which doesn't rule out that people get can uncomfortable sometimes round people who are a bit emphatic ("intense") about meaning what they sing or say.

As Yeats wrote:

"I have passed with a nod of the head
Or polite meaningless words,
Or have lingered awhile and said
Polite meaningless words,
And thought before I had done
Of a mocking tale or a gibe
To please a companion
Around the fire at the club,
Being certain that they and I
But lived where motley is worn...