The discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine voted Kilkenny one of its top 10 of world’s friendliest cities recently, and if you visit during its festival period, you might even consider a mere top 10 is a bit unfair to the place.

EVER since he purchased his first fiddle for two old pounds at the age of 14, Mikey Duggan has been an integral part of the traditional music scene in the Sliabh Luachra area, straddling the Cork/Kerry border.