Dave Barron’s version of the lyrics is correct. My father, Mícheál Ó hÓgáin composed this song shortly after he retired as principal teacher in Caltra National School, Co. Galway, in the late 1970’s. He composed several songs for his friend Michael Rafferty from Ballinakill to sing in the newly composed ballads competition at Fleadhanna Cheoil in that era. Many had nostalgic themes related to the rural Ireland of his youth in Kinclare, Caltra. He died in November 1993.
Proinsias Ó hÓgáin, (Frank Hogan) Stillorgan, Dublin, originally from Caltra, Co. Galway.