Hi Folks,
I'm an artist, singer and bodhran player in Vermont (see https://vtceltic.com/
). My wife is from Rutland, and we've had the chance to do some exploring in the area.

I learned of this song from Mr. Patten, and another great singer, Andrew (last name?) in Vermont who also studies and sings as Gaeilge.
I'm recording a rhythmic arrangement with my duo, The County Down.
Here's a rough take at the pub: https://youtu.be/wNTEv1Uhi9A

I'm very grateful for Mr. Milner and Margaret MacArthur's fine renditions, which are more open and reminiscent of Sean Nos singing - how Carney likely sang it in the barber shops and pubs of Rutland West Parish in the mid-19th century.

Author and Fenian Historical Society founder, Liam McKone, and I organized an Easter Rising commemoration in West Rutland in 2016.
It was amazing to see all the Irish names and counties of origin on the white marble tombstones at St. Bridget's Cemetery.
Many of these quarrymen joined up with Capt. Lonergan's 13th Vermont Infantry, Co. A (Emmett Guards) and helped turn the tide of Pickett's Charge at Gettysberg. Many also became members of the Fenian Brotherhood, and were involved in the Fenian Raids into Canada 1866-71.
See information, links, and a picture of one of the white marble headstones here: https://goo.gl/6wHqeC

The song's author, James Patrick Carney/Kearny, was sort of the local Seanachie. He emmigrated from Tipperary to Vermont in the 1850's. He is mentioned throughout Mary Lee Dunn's book on Rutland, VT's Irish heritage: 'Ballykilcline Rising - From Famine Ireland to Immigrant America'.
The author includes part of this song, but unfortunately gives an inaccurate contextual translation for 'Bawn' - writing that it's derived from the Irish for 'cattle-fort' and 'barn'.
With the song's meter so easily fitting that of the Irish song 'Rocks of Ban' (which Carney likely knew), and the related sentiment of that song - Bawn can only be the Irish word 'ban', meaning 'white'. The region is known for it's white marble, as described in the song.
Here's another excerpt of Kearny's poetry from Dunn's research, showing his Fenian sympathies:

I am old Grania, and my country have suffered sore;
I am looking out for assistance from the West, or Columbian shore . . .
There is Col. John O'Mahoney with his well armed Fenian Band,
For to hunt John Bull, the tyrant, the oppressor of Old Ireland . . .
Fair play and Liberty we must have; poor Ireland you must be free.
(Carney, Violet-Book, p.15)

The Violet Book of Neshobe was part of a series of books written in different colored inks, compiled by an organization in the area at the time. The Violet Book was a collection of Carney's poems and songs, and I believe was presented to him later in his life.
I'm slowly researching this whole history, and have a long-term project of interpreting and recording his songs, perhaps in cooperation with Vermont historical societies, humanities council, etc.

Any feedback or further information about this song, or James Carney/Kearny, is appreciated.