Thanks, Declan -- that is my impression as well.

The DIgitrad entry whihc says the tune was written by Bobby Sands is incorrect, if so.

Here's the other side of the question, though. The tune to "Wreck of the Edmun Fitzgerald" strikes me as being one of those that is basic enough that it must have been used earlier in some traditional song. This is just my feeel for it, and I am wondering whether anyone knows of any earlier song that uses this tune? I do not.

It is possible that it was just a really successful borrowing from such tunes as "Derry Down", which it vaguely resembles, and some other parts and pieces. I dunno.

Any takers?

A