This is part of the notes to this song which can be found on the Clare County Library website (Carroll Mackenzie Collection
Jim Carroll

Inspired by the introduction of the new police into Ireland by Sir Robert Peel in the 1830s, this satire, written by Jeremiah O'Ryan (Derby Ryan), gave rise to a number of imitations and parodies, including the song entitled The Peelers and The Pig which was published in Kidson and Moffat's collection, A Garland of English Folk-Songs.

THE PEELER AND THE PIG

A bunch of peelers went out one day on duty for patrolling, O,
A pig they met upon the way that on the road was rolling, O.
Says one This is the clearest case this pigs the road obstructed, O.
Let's take it to that lock-up place for vagrant beasts constructed, O.

The pig roamed up and down the street with ears erected saliently,
Upon the beast with silent feet they all advanced most valiantly.
"Move on!" in solemn tones they cried, "your habitation is the stye,
Your occupation to provide the rasher and the porcine pie!'

With many a loud insulting grunt the laws coercion it defied,
In following the piggish hunt the peelers ‘legs were sorely tried.
At last at Murphy's yard it paused and thought to join its usual sty,
A fatal pause - for thus it caused its capture with a joyful cry.

And so this very wicked swine was led in a triumphant course,
And Murphy in default of fine surrendered piggy to the Force.
And round the stations glowing grate each other's ribs in joy they dig,
And laugh with glee while they relate their triumph over Murphy's pig.