Hi Richard,

Frank Harte's version could have been an Irish transmission from a similar source as the Irish bartender, who Burl Ives got his version. The key line - not found in any other versions is: "Around her shoulder she pegged a towel." Since this line is not found in other versions and Frank Harte lived briefly, traveled and performed regularly in the US He certain would have access to Burl Ives 1945 recordings as well as Ives 1948 autobiography where Ives version is printed. It still seems more likely that he borrowed parts of his version from Ives.

Christy Moore's 1969 version appears to be a personal adaptation of the standard UK version. Why? Because the hundreds of recordings and versions of the Spanish Lady-- none have Moore's new text. His version appears to be an adaptation of the standard UK version and my guess would be he wrote it to avoid copyright issues. Moore learned Spanish Lady about 1967 when he first performed in in Manchester on May 4. There's nothing to indicate his new stanzas are traditional. The best thing to do would be to ask him. Does anyone know how to contact him?

In both cases I'm stating my opinion.

TY for the observations Richard,

Richie