There is no question there are any number of times the song is appropriate. One of the last times I sang it was on the shores of a wilderness lake on Beaver Island. I had gone there because a dear friend who was descended from the Irish settlers of the Island had his ashes spread there. I sang it to him, his name was Danny O'Donnell. It is a beautiful lyric, and a beautiful tune. But I just don't sing it for a bunch of drunk, once a year Irish folks, in a pub where most folks aren't listening anyway. I completely agree with the sentiment expressed by Jim Lad and others. We are entertainers, but this is just a shortcoming on my part. I just won't do it, unless I feel it is the time and place.

BTW........ I won't sing The Unicorn either ....... it has already marginalized one pretty damn fine Irish band, it ain't gettin' mine....

Mick