Inordinate speed seems to be a serious affliction of younger Irish players, or should I clarify- players of Irish music.

Younger players become older players, and arhythmic speed playing is becoming the norm. Many young players have never played for dancing, even 'Shoe the Donkey' or the 'Stack of Barley'and HERE LIES RHYTHM!!

However, it is true that some of the classic Irish players like Coleman, Morrison etc didn't hang about either, although their rhythm was always there.

I think there is a demand for fast, exciting music in many musical contexts, and maybe some of the 'tutors' and alleged experts (often with short apprenticeships in the music) are influenced by a parallel interest & taste for current genres of madcap pop music- hardly surprising?
Such tutors have a responsibility to emphasise the VARIETY of rhythms which make up Irish music, and make a point of listening to some more classic sources - e.g. Martin Byrnes, Bobby Gardiner, Leo Rowsome rather than globe-trotting 'Celtic' folk/rock bands who can remain nameless- no intention of starting a furore!   all IMHO of course