In his notes to Harte's 'Dublin Street Songs', Donagh McDonagh says it was one of a group of execution songs written in Newgate slang or cant style in the 1780s, others being 'The Kilmainham Minuet', 'Luke Caffrey's Ghost' and 'Larry's Ghost'. He says 'Larry' is attributed to one 'Hurlfoot' Bill Maher. It's a great song.

Cheers, Stewie.