The beauty of the young performers you watched Al, is that they have never heard of any 1954 bullshit. They, like most of us over the years have seen the beauty contained in ancient tunes and words.

Why take a puppy apart to see why it is cute? I have no time for and dismiss out of hand those who want their anorak hobby inflicted on those of us with a love for the music. Right now, the folk style is having a resurgence that guarantees its future a while longer. The younger bands playing festivals, releasing albums and doing the medium theatre, arts centre circuit are a joy.

I roar with laughter when sad old codgers think that just because sitting in a circle with books, playing three chord Fields of Athenry has no appeal to people, that it means folk is dying.

No. It is far more alive than at any time since the '70s.