For the last 2 years, my singing partner, Bob Conroy, and I have toured singing clubs in Ireland. We are intrigued that we can travel for hours through villages with no singers and no singing. Then, lo and behold, come to a mere dot like Brideswell, Co. Roscommon (2 pubs - 1 with a petrol pump - and a pre-Christian holy well) and find a living tradition and great fellowship in song.

The most important factor is, of course, a critical mass of people who really want to do something with folk song and 1 or 2 people who'll do most of the work. South Roscommon and Declan Coyne, Martin Ryan and their friends have made singing there a reality.

Earlier, the South Roscommonites made a great CD and I'm sure this new book is equally fine.

Martin, we will take a book each and we're going to pick them up in person.

Please give our congratulations and best regards to Declan.

Dan Milner