The youngsters in Ireland came to the music at grass roots level
In my opinion that is the only way it will survive
It really isn't about what brings the newcomers in bu how those already involved attract them in and what opportunities they are offered when they get her
If they come in for prizes and stardom they will rip the music out of its grass roots and it will become a spectator rather than a participatory activity
We really have been there and watched the music all but disappear in the past
Comhaltas has been in existence longer and had more establishment support that any other Irish music organisation - it even has an officer in The Irish Senate, yet, because of it's competition ethos, all it has ever been able to come up with is painting-by-numbers playing and Fleadhs
Up to the present uplift in fortunes it was bumping along the bottom - teaching kids formulaic playing that was essential to win competitions
Musician and scholar, Brendan Breathnach summed it up perfectly - "An organisation with a great future behind it"
Any scene has to cater equally for all levels but education and archiving are among the most important and it is these which will build the necessary foundations to guarantee survaival
Look into the Irish Traditional Music Archive website to see a magnificent example of what I mean

WONDER IF ANYTHING EVER BECAME OF THIS ?
Jim