Does anybody have any idea of the provenance of this song - I've heard it dozens of times but can find no reference to it whatever?
Any help would be very much appreciated
Thanks in anticipation
Jim Carroll

Edward the Beauty and Boast of Athlone
Siney Crotty, Ross, Kilbaha
Recorded in London, circa 1980

Young men you come sympathise in my sorrow
And pity a poor maid that's sorely oppressed
For since Cupid first stung me with his kindling arrow,   
My mind is tormented, I can't find no rest.
I am hourly repining and constantly crying
For a handsome young fellow as ever was known.
For since Adam's creation, you'll find in no nation,
A youth like young Edward, the boast of Athlone.

In the spring when the small birds they all join together,
They would charm the green groves and valleys likewise.
They re-freshen breezes to note the mild weather
They'll guide us through spring and the ?
It was in that very season, a young man most pleasing,
His charm and affection unto me made known.
I vow and declare, my heart did ensnare,
Young Edward the beauty and boast of Athlone.

As I happened to stray, by the clear river Shannon,
Where I first saw young Edward going out for a stroll.
He saluted me most kindly, crying 'Dearest Mary Mahon',
I hope I can escort you through the dark shady groves.
I hope you won't refuse me, I pray, do excuse me.'
Those words he repeated in his soft limber tone.
I being sorely bent on my course straight I went
With young Edward, the beauty and boast of Athlone.

I courted young Edward for better than three years,
A most modest young fellow as ever drew breath.
Until a comrade of mine on us did discover,
And soon put an end to our joy and our love.
She told his aged mother that we went together,
And to have us parted, as ever was known,
It's in grief I do relate it, the job they completed,
And banished young Edward, the boast of Athlone.

But since he is gone, may kind fortune shine on him,
And keep him from harm, no matter where he'll roam.
May providence protect him, and angels may guard him
Until he's safe landed on a far distant shore.
And may that unhappy girl who banished my pearl,
May she feel her remorse until her last dying moan.
And likewise his aged mother who trumped the light forever
To banish young Edward the boast of Athlone.