For whatit is worth, the original - and still the best version IMHO - is the Irish "Buachail ón Éirne". The English one under discussion here is too self-conscious and studied a composition. It is not of the Irish Tradition and has not taken root among traditional singers. As some-one remarked, it became a staple of the "Folk Clubs". Just as a matter of inerest, yet another version called "Gréasaí ón Ghréig", was in the repertoire of a very successful duo in the early 60's; a young Belfast couple who sang in a number of languages including Irish and Spanish. Does anyone know if they produced any recordings ?
Tony