Hi

Coyle's identify is pretty well established in John Moulden's long post a few above ours. I was just asking about the curse (which only appears in some versions), but thanks for the opportunity to correct myself - of course it was MacMahon who was cursed:

Last verse:
"My curse on MacMahon for bringing Coyle here
He's been at his old capers for many's the year
From Friday to Sunday, he'll never give o'er
With a pack of strange dogs round the Hills of Granemore.

but was the nature of the curse to be out on the hills forever (see use of the future tense in the penultimate line)? So sorry I can't remember where I heard this suggestion. Hope Mudcatters can enlighten. Cheers