Funny that this thread should appear just now that I am getting reaquainted with this song again,after learning it many years ago.As is often the case, I am paying more attention to the lyrics and seeing the symbolism of the "cow" in this song. It is of course a poitín still is it not?
"a cow that will never run dry"
"Pampered on corn , good barley and hops"
"warm and round and free n her paps"
etc, etc.

God I'm thick!!!