I noted the date of Bruce's post. I also note that the source of Michael's information appears to be the Irish traditional music mailing list, which is another on-line source.

Michael cites Phillipe Varlet and John Moulden, two very knowledgeable people. Which makes me wonder why he doesn't credit the other sources of his information. I just find that to be somewhat curious, in light of the second website with a MIDI, lyrics, and virtually the same text as Michael Robinson's.

I'm not claiming conspiracy theory here. Just thought I'd mention that likely one of the two websites isn't citing the other as it's source of information.

As I said, I'm more interested in why it became such a popular song in Irish America, and it's history in the Irish American song tradition. Michael Robinson's website doesn't mention anything about the history of the song in Irish American communities in North America really.

Guess I'll have to dust off Mick Moloney's dissertation.