Now I know the song "Harrigan" written & used for the musical "50 Miles From Boston" & written in 1907 by George Cohen isn't about Edward Harrigan but is there any thing that might say that there may be a connection?
In the 2nd grade I was in a play/musical (my 1st on stage production that I can remember) & this was the only part of that nightmare that I can remember & always wondered about the song.
I actually skipped out on the one stage performance later that day. I was brought before the "in charge" (Catlick) sister. A girl in the play fasely accused me of spitting in her hair & I was sent off, unbelived, to Sister Superior. I never made it to the BIG Sister's office. I chose to take the rest of the day off & screw up the play they practiced as pay back for the false claim. It was also another first, 1st time I ever skipped school. It was the start of a very shady career. I can still sing the chorus though, what a way to remember the words to songs.

Barry