The earliest source I know of for this version of this song is a book called "Ireland Calling" edited by Richard Hayward. He doesn't claim that the song he prints as "The Flower of the County Down" is the original of the "Star of the County Down." The words he prints are very literary in sound and construction and the words and music arrangement is claimed by Hayward. I suspect he made up the variant and its provenance has been assumed.

Cathal O'Boyle gives it in his "Songs of County Down" as heard from Thomas McPoland of Newcastle Co Down. He says nothing about it being older but does point out that it is cast in a language closer to that of the people - maybe - but still in my view, not near enough. Much of Cathal's note is conjectural rather than supported by evidence.