This thread, J. Moulden or Philippa: Two sisters, from 1999 (and also linked at the top of this thread), has answers previously sorted, to wit:

- John Moulden said: "Brian tells me he got the song from Clive Collins, English Fiddler, whose source he believes was Andy Irvine who learned it in America."

- I pointed out that the Clannad version is basically "version E in Cecil Sharp and Maud Karpeles, English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians. It was collected from Mrs. Clercy Deeton at Mine Fork, Burnsville, North Carolina, September 19, 1918."

~ Becky in Long Beach