Here's a note from Sandy Paton, posted with his permission:

Ed Trickett learned the version that he sings of "Rolling Home" from Gale Huntington of Martha's Vinyard island, author of Songs the Whalemen Sang. The tune is very derivative of that usually used for "Kevin Barry." One major difference: Gale had the song in 4/4 time, not the usual 3/4 in which it is usually found. Try singing the tune as Ed has it, but switching it into 3/4 or 6/8, and you'll see how closely it resembles "Kevin Barry." Not identical, mind you, but very reminiscent.
Sandy

Yeah, I wondered about that. Now I think I see it. Same tune, different tempo.
-Joe Offer-