In "Lonesome Dove, The Series" Episode 9, 'Ballad of A Gunfighter' Michael Martin Murphy (MMM) sang this tune. I saw this program in 1994 and remembered the beautiful 3/4 time melody and some of the lyrics sung during the bank robbery by the "O'Malley Gang". I had not heard this song again until a member posted it on the "Lonesome Dove" Yahoo Group. I wondered if this was a MMM original composition for the TV show or if he borrowed from a traditional Irish ballad.

Last night, Hallmark aired the episode and I was able to videotape it. MMM sang a verse or two of the traditional lyrics near the beginning of the show. All I could understand was "Then Father Murphy from old Kilcormack". I did a search for Father Murphy on this forum and found the song in the DT, a great MIDI at 'The Contemplators' site, and this thread.

Once again The Mudcat Cafe solved another long search for an old traditional melody that has been reused after theme, melodic, and lyrical variations for a recent program.

Cruiser