Hi Dan,
I take your point about different versions of a song and am well aware of the oral tradition at work. Sorry if my wording offended you (or anyone else), that was not the intention.
In the version I was taught, the rhyme is maintained in verses 1 & 2
'myrtle shade: fair maid' and
'once were so glorious : wild accents uproarious'
which leads me to believe that this is what was intended by the author, whoever he / she was. The 'took wing / to Queens' alteration sounds like a mishearing to me, and I know which one I think makes more sense. But everyone is of course free to sing whichever words please them (unless/ until anyone finds a definitive source)- I've said my bit.

Noreen

Joe, Kilmainham is the prison in Dublin where Parnell was held, and it is mentioned in several other songs.