Ian:

The tune & the chorus, came to me as I was driving from Cushendall to Ballycastle, a route which, as it goes over high ground, allows wonderful views of Rathlin Island & the Argyll coast, including the Mull of Kintyre.

If you listen to the tune again, I think you'll clearly hear the 'Mull of Kintyre' influence.

However, I assure you it wasn't a conscious decision to make it sound like it, it just came out that way naturally, indeed it was some time before I made the connection myself.

Fred & Julia:

Hi, yes his wife still runs the Bushmills Hostel. Sabine & I were playing in there just the other evening. Next time I see her, I'll say you were asking after her.

Glad you liked the song & I'd be honoured if you wanted to sing it.

Now that it's written, as far as I'm concerned it's out there in the trad ether now, so if folks want to add verses or remove verses or adapt it any which way they can, that's all fine by me.
Personally, I don't like this old copyright nonsense in relation to material of a traditional nature.
As the composer of this simple wee song, I am just delighted if anyone is interested in it, especially if it helps to keep Tommy's memory alive & makes folks think a little more of Rathlin Island.

If you do add a verse, please post it here - I'd love to read it & of course if you sing it, it'd be great to hear it sung by 'singing' voices instead of my old croaking!

P.S. I've still got some money, sitting here waiting for you!
Perhaps I could give it to Rick, next Spring when he's over here?

Cheers
Dick