On the original sheet music 1860s (before 1867) only the words are credited to Gavan, The Galway Poet. The tune is given as arranged by M. Hobson as on many of Clifton's pieces, and is not attributed to anyone. Clifton did take some of his tunes from existing sources, some dance tunes even. We don't know when Gavan wrote the words. It could be before 1841. Gavan is credited with the words of at least one other Clifton song. If he was known as The Galway Poet, there is a pretty good chance his works appear in local literature and dating could be improved.