I remember at the Millennium on TV there was a shot from Northern Ireland of some people playing Lambegs and Bodhrans together - made a great racket, and a lovely image. I imagine they might have been those ones you mentioned.

I look to the day there'll be Orange marching bands from Belfast in the Fleadh Ceoil. It'll come, but not yet awhile I'm afraid.

In England 5th November bonfires used to have a strong anti-Catholic feeling, and I remember as a kid we wouldn't have anything to do with them - but that's evaoporated, apart from in a ritual kind of way in Lewes in Sussex where they burn an effigy of the Pope, but without any serious intent, it's said. The star of the show a few years back was "an effigy of President Clinton labeled 'Captain Viagra.' Bill was stuffed with fireworks and exploded in a big bang."

Very often the hatred can pass, in time, and turn into harmless traditions.