One of my favourite tunes, probably BECAUSE of the syncopation. First heard it when I was getting back into folk music 20 years ago, and (don't laugh!) learning bodhran! A bit of a challenge as not every bar is syncopated. Then I started learning button accordion - more challenges, not just in the rhythm, but the notes. And in the last 5 years, I have been playing keyboard in 2 ceilidh bands: just love that rhythm! We have it as the last tune in sets, so by then, the dancers are well embedded into the dance and don't let the syncopation throw them off their dancing feet!
(And yes, no resemblance to St Anne's Reel IMHO!)