Don, I can both read and read music. Very useful skills, both. But using your ability to read music to learn, as a beginner or relative beginner, Irish tunes is not useful. Let there be no confusion.

SRS, Not only have I not trashed this thread, I've contributed to its substantive topic. Neither have I asked you to justify your choice of threads to read. But I am puzzled as to how a thread which is mostly about learning tunes by ear can upset your plans to post lyrics and study songs. That's all. Have a nice day.