Got this from a chieftains fansite on yahoo can’t vouch for how true it is but here goes. A member there who saw the Chieftains in Hong Kong states that the following announcements were made:
#1 would not be unexpected.
#2 When I last spoke w/Matt Molloy about the “Wooden Flute Obsession” project, he did mention that it was probably about time to do another solo CD.
#3 Possible I suppose. I have spoken with Michael Tubridy and he did not mention it. He does teach at summer workshops, lectures, etc. and is still playing whistle & flute.
Kevin Krell
don’t forget that Derek Bell left the group indefinitely. 
Actually I thought it was about as definite as it can get.
Somehow, one always hopes.
He showed you could be a nerd and still be one of the best trad musicians in the world. As a nerd, i miss him.
It’s Matt Molloy, by the way; i see it written Malloy a lot.
Well, Derek Bell may have come across like a nerd, but the one (very brief) time I got to meet him, he was very personable and friendly. It was at the after-party when the Chieftains played in Fairbanks (around a decade ago) and he was the only band member who I saw there. I think the others just went back to the hotel and slept.
I met Mr. Bell out on the balcony, where he was watching the aurora. We chatted for maybe 5 minutes, then other people came along and that was that.
Taught me just how deceiving appearances are. He looks like a grumpy frump on stage, but was a great guy in person. I hope I never forget that.
-Patrick
Amen to that! All too often we hear stories which are just the opposite-- one of our musical/showbiz heros turns out to be a schmuck in real life!
Nerd! 
Who says nerds aren’t personable and friendly? In fact, almost all of the nerds I know and have known are very nice people. Go nerds!
Steven
That would be sooo sweet…I haven’t seen Martin for at least 5 years though.