I just heard this song for the first time last week. Although I've got to agree that the lyrics leave something to be desired, Andy Irvine has certainly captured the powerful feelings I've had for my musical experiences in Ireland, many of them around Miltown Malbay and the Willie Clancy festival. The song resonated deeply and immediately with me.

One question some of you might be able to answer for me: The allusion to Sweeney in the last line of the last chorus--is that a reference to Mad Sweeney and the wild and uninhibited flings of youth? Or is there a Sweeney I don't know about in the music scene in Co Clare? Or is it something else altogether?

Cheers,

David