It's a figure of speech Michael. Why vexed? I had a very brilliant professor who taught me that most ideas originate somewhere. I am not vexed but rather intrigued by mysteries, even if they don't offer a definitive answer. If you go on an archeological dig, you're bound to find artifacts that may indeed raise new questions.

I don't know where you are getting vain from the mental processes of a natural detective. Believing that just because you may not arrive at some definitive answer, you shouldn't look, well, it just doesn't appeal to me. Because in that case, I'll just sit around and enjoy the fruits of the labors of people like yourself without having the slightest need for discussion.

Vain. Are you serious? Is Tom Lenihan vain? I think not. The Irish have never been the sort that lay claim to things that are not theirs. They have no problem whatsoever in adopting whatever appeals to them and giving full credit to whomever it is due. The words to Danny Boy and (since I brought it up) the Dromore lullaby were both written by Englishmen. The Irish don't care. If they like 'em they'll sing 'em. On the other hand, if they say a thing in an adamant way, you can take it to the bank.

Btw, that's a figure of speech for people who don't like gambling.