Brian Peters' interesting article in 'Folk Music Journal' Vol 10 No 5 was pointed out to me by Johnny Handle and covers this subject very well, academically at least. I often ribbed Louis Killen in his later years about being responsible for teaching the Clancys this song, which became the scourge of many a good singing session.

He never admitted teaching it to anyone, but said that he'd learned it from a radio show in the forties- Brian's article confirms this, and DO NOTE that his article mentions other songs from the same programme- 'Dark-Eyed Sailor' 'Foggy Dew' Pleasant & Delightful' and 'Banks of the Sweet Primroses'. ALL of these were firmly in Louis Killen's repertoire in the mid 60s when I first heard him, so that to me strongly confirms the accuracy of Brian's article. Do READ it before issuing rash declarations as to its origin.

I have little doubt that Luke Kelly picked it up from Louis on his visits to the Newcastle folk club around 1960, when he 'collected' many a good song, and also realised that he knew folk songs from his own background and used all of these songs later as Dubliners material!

By the way, I have never understood how the old Geordie song 'Cushie Butterfield' (yes I know its air is a London music hall tune) ever was a big hit in the Irish pop charts about 40 years ago via Paddy Reilly/Brendan Shine?? - maybe this was via the Louis Killen/Luke Kelly connection as well, although how this dialect song was ever more than gibberish to the Irish ear still mystifies me- any views?

Anyway, to sing the 'standard' version of the song may be unwelcome these days in 'traditional' circles but if you're in a noisy non-folkie pub anywhere, just sing that song & you'll be able to sing whatever you like for the rest of the night....