Keith,I agree with you and everybody else who says that the Riverdance phenomemon has done more good than harm.
It is also clear that there is a growing interest in Irish culture and Irish music and dance, and a growing self confidence among Irish people.
I think it would be a mistake, however, to attribute all of this to Riverdance. It is fundamentally to do with rising standards of education in Ireland starting in the 1960s, the economic development that has taken place since then, and the escape from Britain's shadow through membership of the EU.
I personally think the Irish soccer team's participation in the World Cup finals of 1990 and 1994 had a lot to do with raising Ireland's profile. A gutsy team playing to the maximum of its ability, and the thousands of jovial supporters who cheered their team even in defeat generated an enormous feel good factor back home and among Irish expatriates everywhere, and gave an excellent impression of the country to the millions watching abroad. The large contingent of British born players on the team and the fact the manager was English also served to remind the sometimes parochial home-based Irish that Irishness is a state of mind reaching far beyond the shores of Ireland.
Tourism from Italy doubled in the year after Ireland played there in 1990 and tourism from everywhere has increased enormously in the last ten years. And Irish pubs are spreading everywhere, including Buenos Aires as Andres/Escamillo was telling us recently.
Quite apart from the interest in Irish music going back to the 60s (starting with the Clancy Bros and the Dubliners), you also have to reckon with the success of the likes of U2, The Pogues, Sinead O'Connor et al in extending the audience for things Irish.
Riverdance certainly contributed to the growing vogue for things Irish but I'm sure you'll agree it shouldn't take all the credit.
BTW, I'm moving from Luxembourg to Brussels next week. As soon as I get a permanent e-mail address I'd like to sign on and become a member of this wonderful forum.
Cheers,
Art O'Malley