The poet who wrote the Rocks of Bawn was Patrick Kelly. i think to know what the meanings of bawn or ban, you would have to know the history behind the man Patrick Kelly, who was from Cashel, Connemara.

The area where he lived was very barren land and very hard to on. However, he also was a republican. So his reference to the land might be a reference to the land of Ireland.

In the first verse he says "Come all ye loyal heroes and listen on to me. Don't hire with any farmer till you know what your work will be".

I dont think he is just talking about farming but I feel it's a reference to the britsh army and saying to the Irish people instead to concentrate on working towards Ireland's freedom.

In the last verse the actual words are "I wish the Sergeant-Major would send for me in time, And place me in some regiment all in my youth and prime, I'd fight for Ireland's glory now, from the clear daylight till dawn, Before I would return again to plough the Rocks of Bawn."

In this last verse, I think he refers to Sweeney who he cursed for staying in and not ploughing the field. I think Sweeney is a metaphor for young Irish men. Then refers to himself saying he would fight for Ireland from the clear daylight till dawn.
The words are Sergeant Major not the Queen, the old IRB had sergeant majors and other military positions.

So in conclusion, I think Patrick Kelly was talking about the freedom of Ireland. And the Rocks of Bawn a metaphor for Ireland. What do you think? Does anyone agree with me?