I agree with others that the Clancys and Tommy Makem were important artists for introducing many of us to Irish music in the early 1960s. At that time I didn't know much about Irish music or artists but I enjoyed their style of music and they were one of a handful of artists who inspired me to delve deeper into Irish and other folk music. Later on I realised that they had changed some of the songs to perhaps make them more commercial, but that doesn't alter the fact that they had a huge influence (I assume I was just one of many). I admit I don't listen to them any more though - maybe I should.