I am delighted if the Irish give a little tender loving care to some otherwise English songs, as McGrath correctly points out. The wild Rover, an obscure English song aung by an obscure English singer, is now universally known to every English pub drunk. But that had little to do with the English folk revival, or the English respect for their traditions: it was down to the Dubliners. fair play to them.
   This has always struck me in the context of my own working life, too. I have managed to keep my own band going for nearly twenty years by touring in ireland. How many English folk clubs would give us a booking playing traditional English music? Three, in the last three years, as far as I can recall. The Irish are brilliant at making music of their own, and also taking very very good care of others peoples'. Heartfelt thanks.