Yes, I remember hearing that Tommy told of learning the song from his mother. Of the two versions in the DT, I know one is from Joe Heaney, as sung by Lucy Simpson and Helen Schneyer. The other is from the Ossian publications, and the differing words may be more like those sung by Sarah Makem and taught to Tommy. I haven't heard Tommy do the song, so I can't say for sure. Lovely song, though, isn't it?

Sandy