OK Martin, excuse my ignorance but I don't understand the above paragraph: " This song by the Drogheda weaver Richard Shiel (1800-1860)is taken from a broadside (from a broadside? You mean someone had already written it put it in print?) printed by Brereton's of Dublin c. 1830s. It was almost certainly inspired by the "Genius of Ireland" passage in Rev. James Porter's Billy Brand and Squire Firebrand (being what, a story? a political writing? or what?) published in the Northern Star (a newspaper? or what?)in August 1796." I'm sorry I don't know how to interpret what I'm reading... your help is appreciated. Margo
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