The story is that it was written by Mick Ryan for Cyril Tawney, who died in April 2005. Dedicated to his memory, it was performed at the Sidmouth Festival Tribute Concert in 2005.

But hey - only the runner-up, Joe? Should've won hands-down, I say!

By the way, the concert recording mentioned is the final track on the excellent Cyril Tawney compilation of the same name (ADA Recordings, 2007).
Mick had recorded it himself earlier (with Pete Harris), on his cd The Island Of Apples (WildGoose, 2006).

It's a great song - but quite a challenge!!