Wow! Been away for a few days, and the controversy continues!

Some of the remarks about the English "claiming" Irish accomplishments reminds me of something I heard Richard Harris say in an interview. When he won an Academy award, the papers said "British Actor wins Oscar." When he was arrested in a bar fight, it was "Irish Actor Caught in Drunken Brawl."

Seriously, I agree that this thread contains many misunderstandings. Good thing it also contains a lot of information on the song, including the Irish (language) lyrics!