If Comhaltas do not specify what and what does not qualify as a traditional instrument for the purposes of their competitions, then naturally I apologise to them for suggesting that they do. I have gained a rather different impression from comments made by current and former members (such as Fliss) in this and other discussions; but perhaps I have misunderstood them. The 'miscellaneous' category, so far as I can see from the current set of rules, is open to players of any instrument at all; whether that means merely that they are not sufficiently popular as solo instruments to have categories of their own or whether they are not considered 'traditional' isn't made clear. Doubtless you can set the record straight on that point.

Presumably the saxophone, which I also have heard used for Irish dance music (my purely subjective feeling is that it is generally better suited to English dance music styles, though it can certainly be a very effective interpreter of slow airs) was in the 'miscellaneous' category? I made no mention of concertina systems, as you had already stated that the competition didn't specify any particular kind. I do actually take the trouble to read your comments 'properly', though your style can make that rather a trial. Perhaps you would do me the same courtesy.