Reviving this thread to ask for more facts about the history of this song.

I have gathered so far from other threads that:

"Dark Rosalean" based on a translation by Samuel Ferguson from a version recorded from Handiman. Any dates for these people?

Ferguson didn't consider it to be political - just a love song. So was it political before or after the translation? I'm presuming before but would like confirmation/arguements...

Composed to celebrate Ireland when oppressed, but couldn't use Irish Language, or the concept of an Ireland so substituted women's characters. If this is so, why compose in Irish if not allowed? if going to break the rules and do it in Irish, why not just say Ireland in the song?

There is also reference to the fact that the version in Irish usually has fewer verses than the English language ones. Can anyone tell me which are the English language verses which corrspond to the Galic, and which have been added (and where/who from if you're really up on this stuff) My Irish isn't too hot.


Well, there are a few pickles for you to chew on for a bit. What'd'y'all recon?