I think anyone with an interest in traditional music in Ireland will be aware that Devalera's era was pretty disastrous. the new Republic had a blinkered and unrealistic vision of
'rosy- cheeked maidens dancing at the crossroads'
Not the place to discuss this, certainly, but all the now-revered greats of Irish music packed their bags and fled to America, where they had freedom to record the 78s we now cherish.
As a former member of the John Mckenna Society, that great musician was pretty much ignored on his return from New York- read Sean Gilrane's excellent notes to the commemorative double CD of McKenna's music issued by the Society 5 years ago.
Now back to the subject....