I have always been intigued by the lines about kilkenny because there seem to be to main versions of the lyric which alter the tone of the whole song.

First, and the version I sing, " ....In Kilkenny it is reported THERE'S marble stones as black as ink. With gold and silver I WOULD support her......" a song of a man unfulfilled in life going back to Carrick fergus to die"

Second
"... In Kilkenny it is reported ON marble stones as black as ink. With gold and silver I DID SUPPORT HER......." a story of a man pining for his love who has died before him.

Either story makes sense to me although some people sing a hybrid version ( there's stones but I did support her), including Van Morrison on Celtic Heartbeat.

I would be really interested to find old versions of the words to try and work out the original story. Love to hear anyone elses thoughts.
x Robbie