Dan Courtney was born in the parish of Dromid in 1888. As far as i can gather he sent the song to Sigerson early 50s. He was over 60 then. His brother John was married and lived in the Fair green/field a stones throw from barr na sraide. its funny as Dan was a staunch republication and John was in the RIC. another brother was Fr Tadhy O Curnain who was parish priest in Causeway. Here are 2 verses from a song of Dans called " John by the Caol og side" written in the late 20s. In Eirns cause those lads so gay were willing to dare and die, and with shot-guns and pikes they attacked the Tans one Sunday at Tooreensigh. Through the leaden spray they cut their way and they peppered John Bulls hide , and that night they danced and sang at Johns , at Johns by the caol og side.
Now Bolus 'neath nightcap of fleecy mist looks lazely 'oer the lea, and the Bull Rock wheels its ghostly gleam 'oer the silvery silent sea. Rineen lone lighthouse with lights long lowered looks cold 'oer the Currane tide , But as dimmed as its lamps is the dance at Johns - at Johns by the caol og side.   Songs Of Iveragh 2009.