In response to Dave Clinch (18 Feb 02): Thanks for the testimonial. I think I'm probably the Yank whom you heard sing the Last of the Great Whales in McGanns.
In response to Andy barnes (10 Sep 02): Thanks for the song--a real classic. I learned it from the Dubliners record. The first time I sang it (a capella, but very much bel canto) in a noisy Irish pub, I got drunk with power--the whole place got completely quiet. This has happened in a number of other pubs in various parts of Ireland & North America, most recently Friday night in East Durham NY during a rowdy Irish Arts Week. Since I couldn't answer inquiries about the authorship, I took to the net today, belatedly, so I can give you my compliments and give you the credit