don't know of any Irish words, though there is a version, #1 in DT, that is more common in Ireland than Paul Brady's version. Google search brings up dozens of websites with lyrics, some of which differ slightly or greatly with DT's 4 versions. Maybe time for a study thread on this song. I'd say, agreeing with many, that the song dates from after the Civil War, and don't know of any evidence at all, in the song or otherwise, that it involves an Irishman (though we get around, don't we!). It is most probably an older Creole song.