I do teach Mandolin and Banjo, to some beginners at the moment. I mainly play the traditional stuff, you know the fiddle-dee-dee stuff. I've only been playing a couple of years so far but I've got really into it.

I've been listening to traditional and folk singing for about four years. I am really into the old type Sean-Os singing. The Chieftains do one of these on their harp album - the Green Fields of Canada. The Chieftains album, The Long Black Veil is the only one I have with a lot of singing on it. They've got Sinead O'Connor singing "(S)He moved through the fair" and the Rebel song "The Foggy Dew", both of which would be brilliant for your repertoire.

I probably know quite a few Dubliners' songs - you'll have to tell me some that you like. I don't know any of their albums I'm ashamed to say, but I know a man who does.

I can give you a Pogues tune right now: It's the chorus from "my name is JOCK STEWART".

So come fill (D) up your glasses (A)
With Brandy (D) and wine (G)
Whatever (D) it costs (A) I don't mind (D)(A)
So be easy (D) and free (A)
When you're drinking (D) with me (G)
I'm a man (D) you don't meet (A) every day(D).

The rest of the song goes to the same chords so you can work away at that tune in the meantime.

Of the other artists you mention, I rarely listen to them so I can't help you with them. I may know some of their songs however so list a few.

As for a few artists, I would recommend:

Altan - Excellent Donegall tunes. Mairead sings some beautiful songs in both Irish and English. The Flower of Magherally is on the Red Crow album and the Hills of Glenshee is on the Horse with a Heart album.

Deanta - they have a couple of CDs out. They do some excellent songs including Willie Taylor, Green Fields of Canada and Dark Inneosghain (Innishowen).
The Bothy Band and Dervish are two more bands with excellent traditional songs.

For English Folk Songs I would recommend Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. Check out the Bay City Roller type bass on "All around my hat".

When you're next in Ireland give me a call and come and visit me up in Belfast. I can also tell you a few sessions and festivals to go to round Ireland. Summer is the best time of year.

Will post up some chords for you on Friday (4th July).

Slan,

Laoise.