Hi all,

I'm a PhD researcher from Dublin, Ireland and I'm working on a project about connections between folk music (particularly Irish, but also US and English/Scottish etc.) and political movements and currents of the 1950s/60s and early 70s. I stumbled upon this forum today while looking for more info about Joe Mulheron and "The Men of No Property", and I have to say it's a mine of useful information and interesting tid bits. I thought I'd introduce myself and ask if anyone might have any stories or bits and pieces of interest.

To be frank with you, Covid had locked me out of every archive I need for the last year, and I'm trying to get creative! I've been doing a few interviews and other bits and pieces, too.

I've cast a pretty wide net, but the four main chapters of the PhD will be about:
1. Alan Lomax and other US music collectors in Ireland in the 1950s
2. The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem in NYC in the 50s/60s and the making of a new Irish "Trad" genre.
3. The Dubliners/Luke Kelly, their politics (particularly left and Irish Republican) and Luke's influences from his time in Britain.
4. The 1969 "Liberation Fleadh" (also called the "Freedom Fleadh") that took place in Derry city during the very start of the Troubles, and involved among others, the Dubliners and Tommy Makem.

As far as what's not mentioned there, some of the people I'm very interesting in include Ewan MacColl, Dominic Behan, Dianne Hamilton (Guggenheim), Seamus Ennis, A.L. "Bert" Lloyd, Jean Ritchie and anyone who bridged the gap between music and left or Irish Republican politics. And if anyone knows anything about Tradition Records I am all ears, believe me!

There's a bit in archives, a bit in recordings, a bit in liner notes and other places, but this world of folk music I've discovered, is really alive in the stories that everyone seems to have of it. I'd really appreciate any help that anyone could give.

Thanks!
Jack