Janice, this song is neither maudlin nor non authentic. I agree with you on Dan Milner's work (he does most of the collecting and reconstruction of the music he plays with Bob. Kilkelly is compelling because it is written from actual letters of Peter Jones Great Grandfather. I would say that makes it very authentic. As to the maudlin piece, once again it accurately describes the times and the troubles faced by Irish Emigrants in the US and the families left behind. I would agree that it is sung to death, and many of the interpretations lack depth. But the song is a jewel.

All the best,

Mick