I'd like to thank Amos for posting this thread for me, since my computer was down the evening we were discussing this song. I had just finished listening to our own Big Mick's CD, and his band does a wonderful rendition of this song.

And thanks to all who have provided opinions/information regarding this puzzle wrapped in a conundrum. And I do have to agree with belfast -- "At the end of the day most of us can agree that we are left with an excellent song".

Le meas, Áine