Let's try a couple of those queries:


OK, it's becoming unlikely that this was an emigrant song about 1898 that made a speedy return across to ocean. Not that that was a popular interpretation, but it would be nice to be albe to rule it out entirely.
"ninety eight" has a very particular resonance in the Irish psyche. It ALWAYS means 1798!



I'm still unable to decide on which one is the error:
- If "traitors to the queen" is erroneous, it could be 1798.
- If "gloomy Ninety-eight" is the error it could be 1848.
I know people are saying "It's about the famine!", but I'm still looking for something more definite.
Queen/Skibbereen is so obvious a rhyme that it has to be intentional. Which implies we're in Victoria's time.
Similarly, Skibbereen is very strongly associated with the famine, for reasons discussed earlier.

But either way: If the song has been known in Ireland longer, why do we not know of any publication?
Dunno. I've never seen it - and neither had John Moulden when he posted earlier. Individuals may well have had it - but we've not seen it in print.


Was this too dangerous a song to publish?
Hardly

(What is the earliest publication for Boulavough
Written around 1898 i.e. the centenary. Originally used a diferent tune to the familiar Youghal Harbour one, BTW

Regards