No disagreement from me, Jim. I haven't visited the archive since 2004, while it was still in the beautiful building on Merrion Square.

I began visiting ITMA in the early 1990s, so am aware of the challenges they and the other folklore archives in Dublin have faced.

I was also a frequent visitor to what is now the Irish Folklore Collection, which can be found here:

http://www.ucd.ie/folklore/english_html/background.htm

It is to the credit of those you mentioned (see my remarks in the Hugh Shields obit thread), and many others who over the years have been involved, including many in the current generation, who have taken the helm as the respected elders (and I would add John Moulden to the list too) have passed the torch.

The ITMA has been fortunate, but so have many other Irish arts organizations, to have their national government as financial benefactor. I trust this is but the beginning, and I hope the ITMA will benefit from the new Traditional Arts scheme sponsored by the Arts Council.

Cheers.