Any Irish or British equestrians on board? Isn't "ride on" a standard phrase they use in hacking/hunting which means (more or less) "let's go"?

I played music every week (in Cork) with a guy who used to sing this song regularly, and he definitely put a sarcastic twist on the "run your claw" line, so I've always interpreted it much the same as John OSh above does - a farewell roll in the hay. You know it's the last time ever with this person, hence the image of deep visceral pain.

Mary Black sings this song too. I think Jimmy still works with and/or owns horses up in Kildare (prime horse country). Great song - good on yas for resurrecting this song, Declan.

Happy Vernal Equinex everybody -