This one has been swaying back and forth, from Wild Rover, to Here's a health to the company, to the Fine old Irish gentleman - there are multiple adaptations and parodies of that one.

There was however, a reference early in the thread, to Frank Purslow's statement that many balld sheet hawkers in England were Irish. This is interesting to me since I am soon starting a research job for a Centre at National University of Ireland, Galway (but working from home) on the "Popular printed ballad in early nineteenth century Irealnd." Much of the work will involve aspects of the trade and will build on some of the work done in England by RS Thomson.

Dan, can you remember where Frank said that - I'm corresponding with him at present on the curious history of Fanny Blair and could add a question about his evidence I suppose.

Bruce, your work goes back as far as anybody's. While the braodside press in Ireland really only got going in the 1780, there is a lot of evidence of earlier trade - 17th century and as early as 1737 in Dublin. Do you have any ideas on the best starting date for my study. I hope I'll be able to call on you assistance and critical faculty.