So Jack what songs about fishing and the sea do Kerry fishermen sing similar in style to "Shoals of Herring"?

My guess their "go to" genre would most likely be Country & Western.

the Radio Ballads celebrated work and culture of the past and of the 50s. They celebrated a spirit and cultures in decline, no whining, but a portrayal of working people dealing with life as it was independently - Spot on Akenaton

McColl is right "Shoals of Herring" is NOT a folk song - McColl did know what Folk Songs are, as does Jim Carroll. The all to common view prevalent today that whatever folk sing is a folk song has destroyed "folk music" and to what end? Just to provide tolerant venues where the mediocre can rehash earlier attempts and aspirations of being pop stars trotting out 50s, 60s & 70s pop songs.