The session

One of the joys of Irish culture is our music sessions. You stagger out of the lashing rain into a pub, someone is playing in the corner; you grab a beer, whip out your harpoon or your guitar and get involved. More fun than Disneyland, more team spirit than the SAS, particularly at our annual folk festival, where we have never had any problems with the paramilitaries. “We know were you live,” we threaten them, “and we'll come and play outside your house.”

There is a downside; music is in our blood, they say, but so is cholesterol, and years of clandestine observation has led to the conclusion that there are many hidden dangers involved, and every instrument has its own unique hazards. The Corner House in Rostrevor has provided me with …