Jim,
You should read all the related threads on this site. Frnk McGrath did a huge amount of research on this song and located the original author's home, Mac the Ranger's home, They could not identify the well nor the related apple tree. Frank was fairly certain of the location of Michael's grave in the States but did not visit.

Pat Kiddy, Spancil Hill resident, has all of the details. Also Robbie's widow, Maura, ha full details.

Robbie's First Friday, the singing session he set up, is still going. Organizer is John Condone. I go down to it most months from Bray. Spacil Hill is sung at the end of the session as Robbie sang it, in his memory. You should pay a visit.

Robbie was a great friend so sadly missed.