I've just listened to this song/poem for the first (or by now second/third) time being performed by Sinead O'Connor on the "Common Ground" compilation and, having thoroughly enjoyed her rendition, looked for the lyrics on the interweb which led me here. I know it's well down the thread now but I'd like to comment that what at first seemed to me to be simply a superb song has been totally enhanced by reading this thread (plus the previous one dating back to 2001) and all the contributors merit a huge thanks from a simple listener such as me! Slainte as Glaschu!