Folk clubs started as an antidote to entertainment that they had no control over and had a wish to flex their own musles and make their own - at first it was letting off steam; later, and in growing numbers it developed into something more lasting
People began to deepen their interest in enough numbrs that some higher education instititutes took it up - Leeds, Shaffield, Aaberdeen....
It came into its own while at the same time, remained an entertainment for the majority
That is what is happening now in Ireland - in Galway, In Limerick and (I think) in Cork - there are now 'folk areas developing in places like West Clare, Cork and Galway, with a history in the Traditional Arts
Ireland now has a centre of excellence and a permanent resource for information in the Irish Traditional Music - a foundation to fall back on and a permanent reminder of what traditional music is
When a couple of enthusiastic non professionals in Wexford decided to draw attention to Child Ballads they approached The National Library of Ireland, which gave it its full support
Up to the Time The Celtic Tiger had its teeth drawn by the banks, applying for a grant from the Arts Council of Ireland was punching on an open door - I know that from personal experience
If a charlatan hadn't jumped the gun years ago, Traditional music would have a representative in politics
By taking itself seriusly, Irish traditional music has guaranteed itself a several generation future (at least)

What seems to have happened in the UK is that those who were in at the beginning have aged and have been disillusioned by a hostile takeover of the clubs have departed and have yet to be replaced   
Unless a new crowd on all levels (not as wannabe stars) England's Voice of the People will disappear into cupboards, display cases and bookshelves and we would have allowed it to happen (I understand the pipe museum in Alnwich isn't there any more - is that right ?)
This ducking and diving really is getting nowhere
Jim