Greg - I've also experienced this, student nurses from Tipperary in Dublin singing 'it's a lot way to Tipperary'. And they should know. When these songs were written they were many Irishmen (in Irish regiments too) in the 'British' armed forces. Tipperary, although not an 'irish' song became a great favourite with Irish soldiers as well as the rest of the Army. It seems to have lasted well. And you can't sing Tipperary without singing 'Pack up your troubles' straight after, or indeed at the same time!