I've enjoyed reading all the posts and have heard many renditions of this song, always wondering just WHAT the words meant. After reading the above posts I looked up the words to "Irish Jubilee" and after reading the song and especially the chorus:
THERE WAS PIGS-HEAD AND GOLDFISH, MOCKING BIRDS AND OSTRICHES
    C - G -       D7          G -          D7
    ICE CREAM AND COLD CREAM, VASELINE AND SANDWICHES

I agree that Burke was writing a lot of it for fun, which is why it's so popular with children (including my 3 year old daughter).

From a "British" Columbian! Can't wait to visit NFL one day, and hopefully I'll "have a time"!