In a little book entitled Irish Minstrelsy pulished by the Walter Scott Publishing Co, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, in 1904 (3rd Edition)that belonged to my father there is a translation from the Irish by Thomas Furlong. The note with the song says: This song was composed in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, to celebrate the Irish hero Hugh Ruadh O'Donnel, of Tyrconnell. By Roisin Dubh, supposed to be a beloved female, is meant Ireland. Thomas Furlong - poet and politician. Born at Scarawalsh, County Wexford,1794; died July 25,1827. Was a close friend of O'connell's and an ardent repealer, but is now remembered as translator of ancient Irishj poems.

I hope this helps.

Louis Killen

Lou_Killen@hotmail.com killen@tscnet.com