Sure, pubs are closing. A matter of economics and changed life styles. Plenty left though. But that isn't in any way an indicator as to the state of music in Ireland, and that was what I was getting at.

'Spontaneous' sessions. Well, how would you, or anybody, know, when they are spur of the moment they won't be announced, or even   necessarily be held in a public place.

As it happens, if I were so inclined I could go out and play any night of the week. There are more people playing and to a higher standard than ever before. Music is thriving in Ireland.