Hi, there! I've just joined this group. I've always had a love of
traditional Irish singing and of Irish music and culture in general. I
have a few questions for anyone willing to answer. I'm taking a world
music class and am writing a paper on sean nos singing.

Here's my first question: I'm not sure if there is anyone on the list
currently living in Ireland, but as the influence of mass media
and mass culture has spread across Ireland, how has the sean nos
singing tradition changed with regards to its position in the culture?
(I understand that in the past, it was one of many forms of personal
and/or communal entertainment - a component of ceilis and sessions.)
Has its place in the culture changed? Has its place in everyday Irish
life changed?

Second question: What effects have the Oireachtas na Gaeilge sean nos
song competitions had on the overall tradition? Have they had an
impact on the various individual traditions/styles throughout the
country (for example those of Connemara, Ulster, and Munster)?

Personal experiences and/or opinions would be greatly appreciated and
encouraged.

Thanks!

Bianca