If memory serves, Tommy Makem got the trad Irish version from his mother Sarah. Sean Cannon recorded a trad version on an early solo album in the 70's. Even if you listen to Luke Kelly's version in the 60's it still retained a trad sound, being sung as if in regret. It was only when the "clappy Handy" bits were added that it started to go downhill. I even remember Mike Whelans doing a blues version of it in Aberdeen in the early 70's...brought the house down...with laughter!