That's probably true, Peter. The only kids I know in Manchester who are learning to play traditional music are kids with Irish heritage. It seems they are largely doing it becuase their parents make them.


There is ofcourse an element of cultural identity and all that (probably stronger outside Ireland than in the country, although I wouldn't discount it there either). But would it be enough to sustain it? Fact is that young people, teenagers early twenties go out to play music, do gigs, dance meet the opposite sex, form friendships and relation and have a great time at it. And it's perfectly normal to play at school events, dance a few sets at weddings or other events. That's context and meaning, that's what is sustaining it into the future.