Frank Harte in his book "Songs of Dublin" writes that he first heard the song sung by Dominic Behan who, in turn, said he got some of it from Sean O'Casy and the rest of it from a woman in England.
Other singers of the song also give the source as Dominic.

"twas down by Christ-church that I first met with Annie
A neat little girl, and not a bit shy.........."