Thanks to all who contributed to this discussion. The background info is most valuable ...

I do not understand one line ... why on the 23'rd of June, did "The young, the old, the stout and the bold" assemeble "to sport and kill?"

I had convinced myself that this line was an error, and that they "came for sport and skill" - but it appears that too many versions have "Erin's sons and daughters" sporting and killing. So I guess those must be the words!

What does it mean???