I have posted two links below to the oldest text I can find for Arthur Macbride.

Bodleian Library Link to Arthur Macbride
The Bodleian Library Home Page

While the text has not yet been dated, from the style of print it can safely be estimated that this version is , at the latest, very early 19th C. in origin. The lyrics ares lightly different to that commonly known today but there is no doubting the link.

The style of the language used is certainly not that of the common labouring classes of Ireland at that time and it was surely written by one who was blessed with an education. The use of the word "shelals" would imply that the main characters were of Irish origin but does not neccessarily mean that the author was Irish.

I have emailed the researcher in charge of the project for extra information but in the meantime I will be facinated to hear your views and comments.

Frank