The tune "Roisin Dubh" which means "Dark Rosaleen" is an allegorical name for Ireland, stemming to the days of the Penal laws when use of the name Ireland was forbidden. Poets employed numerous poetic names, such as Caitlin ni Houlihan, Roisin Dubh and others. Ireland was often depicted in poems as an old woman, as in "Shan Van Voght", the poor old woman.

Roisin Dubh was composed by Sean O'Riada back in the 1950's as the theme music for a movie called "Mise Eire - I am Ireland." I have not seen the movie, but would be interested in doing so, has anyone else any information regarding it?

Jack Hickman