While working in Somerset many years ago I had the pleasure to listen to an old farm worker singing, -The farmers boy-, I could have been in any pub in Ireland, the song would not be classed as `folk`, but the man and his singing I can still recall with pleasure.
I also listened to a singer in Lincoln sing `Brigg Fair`, the singer and the song were fascinating as this was the first time I had heard this song, memories I recall with pleasure.

Does it really matter where the song come from, certainly research the song, that to is rewarding,I love my own Irish music, but please enjoy the great variety of folk music no matter which part of the world it comes from, there is merit in all of our folk music.