Yes celtaddict thanks, but the truth of it is that the Clancy's and Tommy Makem never claimed that a song was Irish if it wasn't. I don't mean to critize Mary Black on her performances but her liner notes do make claims like -"Rose of Allandale - Traditional Irish". Another point is that although we, here in Australia, were always taught that most of our "traditional" songs originated in Ireland it just isn't true. There may be a case for this in New South Wales (although maybe not even there) but here in Victoria the overwhelming influence was England and America through the minstrels and the early touring performers. English music-hall and sheetmusic from America and England also had an impact. My family came here from Cornwall, as did 80% of migrants on the goldfields of Bendigo in Central Victoria, and I can tell you that Stephen Foster is still regarded by members of the Victorian Cornish Association as the greatest songwriter of "modern" times. Songs were brought out by the migrants themselves, of course, but these were often the popular songs of the day from those same music halls and from the minstrels.

There's nothing wrong and a good deal that's very beautiful about Irish songs but ALL songs are not Irish! And all songs do not originate in Ireland!
                  Joy of mixed Cornish,English,Irish roots.