This thread interests me as it sheds light on the origins/affinities of "The Well Below The Valley" as recorded by Christy Moore and Planxty, originating from the singing of John Reilly as recorded by Tom Munnelly in the 1960s. Revisiting this topic a few days back, I came across the recording by Thomas Moran previously referenced in a parallel (now closed) thread "Origins: Well below the valley - discuss!" which has now been posted to youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuhdiVbqhc4, and seems (as pointed out previously) to clearly be verses from "The Maid and the Palmer" interspersed with refrain lines from "The Cruel Mother".

Anyway, I visited the Wikipedia page for the Maid and the Palmer and found that quite a lot could be added there, in respect of the Moran recording and also the reappearance of the c.1818 version entitled "The Maid of Coldingham" in two different publications within the past 30 years or so. Hopefully I have represented the info previously expressed here by relevant persons more well informed than I - see current version at Wikipedia: The Maid and the Palmer. Regards - Tony