I'll never understand folk. Starting a few years ago from the viewpoint that I learnt a song with correct tune, phrasing and words, I've heard accolades of 'he made it his own' , 'liked his version' etc. and so became less anxious if I didn't rigidly follow the music score. Regarding the thread topic, I heard and learnt the Fureys version long before I had heard of Eric Bogle (gasp) and very rarely sing it and only in specific folk clubs. It doesn't offend my ear any more to hear an unfamiliar version of a song I know. I heard the Eric Bogle version once but it was so mumbled, or my hearing so impaired, that I couldn't follow the words anyway. I'll never understand folk.