I have sung this song for over 20 years. Learned it from a friend and from a book of Irish Street songs. "Ballads from the Jails and Streets of Ireland." Compiled and edited by Martin Shannon - 1966 Dublin. The composer is not credited but the melody is named as "Felons of Our Land" As a studied guess it may have been written by Lady Gregory. My version is a more complete one and differs slightly in some of the verses that you list. The conflict is stated in the song, as I sing it, as being the 1916 uprising. The "Black and Tan Reign" (which followed this uprising) is also mentioned. The timing of the pilgramage to the dead lover is vague and the whole song is full of older archetypes and images -- to my way of looking at it anyway. I was rather hoping it had been forgotten except for a few of us. I could send the lyrics from the book if you wish. Joy in Australia.