Phil "gurrier" is Dublin slang for a worthless person or ruffian. Usually used of children. I've seen it argued that it derives from the French "guerre" - but I don't believe a word of it!.
"travelling people" is a term for for what, in Ireland, have been variouisly called gypsies, tinkers, itinerants and travellers.
I suspect it's "He was lousy at the Gaelic" - referring to the compulsory teaching of the Irish language in schools.
"He was brilliant in the toss school" refers to a gambling game involving tossing coins towards a wall!
"There's no handouts here for tinkers" makes more sense.
"methylated spirits" is correct.
"on the quay"
"amadaun" is anglicised from an Irish word for "fool".
That's enough to be going on with!
Regards
sj