just reading these posts and one stuck in my mind.this song relates to the 1798 rebellion in wexford by the United Irish Men.They were called the United Irish Men because they were irish men of all religions who wanted a free ireland from british rule.That is the reason the song states that he was to "join the united irish men" Somebody just asked the question why he should have to join them if they were already united? they were a secret organisation whos main goal was to free us from british rule and as the times had it british brutallity.They fought a hell of a fight and only failed through lack of arms,informers and the fact that the rebellion failled in the rest of the country.they were cut off from support from other counties and eventually fell to the english on vinnegar hill outside enniscorthy before marching through kildare and laois and eventually beaten just north of county dublin.The United Irish Men also rose in mayo under Wolftone and with support from franch troops.The first battle became known as "the castlebar races" because the English forces retreated so quickly.They were eventually beaten as too were risings in dublin ,kidare and ulster.there are many songs about this era but this one is full of sorrow and grief.