Rob, I think John made a good point about being comfortable with performing pieces you already have prepared. I think you have the opportunity to teach the students that this type of music is not a dead tradition. Many of the descendents of those who had to leave their Irish homeland were raised with a strong awareness of their Irish name, music, and which county their ancestors came from, whether they ended up in Canada, the US, Australia, or elsewhere. Songs are an important part of the oral tradition of storytelling and history that keeps the connection alive. I think Kilkelly is a good example for the students of the continued songwriting tradition in honoring our ancestors. I think Spancil Hill would be a good one to pair it up with, since the background story can also be found here in the Mudcat threads.

alice