"The Merry Ploughboy" is an Irish traditional song by Jeremiah Lynch, known for a successful 1966 version by Dermot O'Brien.

[1][2] "The Merry Ploughboy" was written by Jeremiah Lynch during the Irish War of Independence.

It alters the lyrics of an English folk tune, "The Jolly Ploughboy," about an Englishman who leaves behind the plough to join the British Army.

"[5] "The Merry Ploughboy (Off To Dublin In The Green)" was released by Dermot O'Brien (who also played accordion on the track)[6] in 1966 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, with an arrangement by Dominic Behan, and was number one on the Irish Singles Chart for six weeks.

I am still asked to sing it, although I am completely against violence and don't think that sort of song goes well at the present moment.