I think it's amazing that Alfred Noyes only died as recently as 1958.
When I first heard Phil Ochs sing it, when his album first came out (now available on CD), I imagined it was centuries old.                                                         

Looking forward to hearing such a great singer as Andy Irvine singing it. I think the fact that Andy has taken it on is further proof of what a great lyric it is.

Did Phil Ochs claim to have written the melody? Did he write the melody?

Tunesmith: is the Alfred Noyes recital accessible in any way (other than via yourself!)? I'd love to hear it. When was it recorded?