Lyr Req: Rooskey Hill? / Rooska Hill

Subject: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: GUEST,Mick Henry, Oxford.
Date: 12 May 01 - 02:28 PM

I'm looking for the words of an Ulster ballad The foot of Rooskey Hill.

can anyone help?

Mick Henry

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 May 01 - 04:20 PM

Nothing so far. I'll bet the spelling is closer to "ruisc" or "ruiseach". Do you have any snippets of lyrics or other clues?

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: GUEST,Noreen on the M25
Date: 12 May 01 - 04:44 PM

I think I may know this- I'll get back to you in a day or so.

Noreen

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Big Tim
Date: 13 May 01 - 10:04 AM

Hope someone can solve this one as I was born near a Rooskey in Inishowen, Donegal. The place name is very common being derived from "ruscaigh", meaning "marshy place", according to Adriam Room in his "A Dictionary of Irish Place-Names", Appletree, 1986.

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Noreen
Date: 13 May 01 - 01:15 PM

As I saw it in Joe Kerins' notebook, I'm pretty sure it was spelled Rooska Hill. Hope this is the same song- I'll ask Joe as soon as I can.

Noreen

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 May 01 - 02:10 PM

That found part of it, Noreen.

One day for recreation, quite easy in my mind,
The flowers all 'round were neatly crowned with blooms of every kind;
About midday I chanced to stray down by a purling rill,
And as I did pass I met a lass at the foot of Rooska Hill.

from a cached Google page:
http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:97c6cc47d2446d30:www.limerick-leader.ie/issues/19991120/seoighe.html+rooska+hill&hl=en

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Noreen
Date: 13 May 01 - 02:17 PM

Thanks, Sorcha. That looks to be the same one as Joe sings, with the Limerick connection. So it could be a different one from the Ulster balled that Mick Henry is looking for?

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: GUEST,mick henry
Date: 14 May 01 - 02:14 PM

Thanks Noreen and Sorcha,these are the words of the song.A Fermanagh singer and fiddle player Joseph Maguire recorded this in New York in 1940 on a 78.I assumed that it was an Ulster ballad.Do you have the extra verses?Many thanks to everyone.

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Noreen
Date: 14 May 01 - 03:22 PM

I will get them for you, Mick, but it will be next week now. I'll trace this thread to remind me.

Noreen

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Noreen
Date: 21 May 01 - 11:21 PM

I have the words in front of me now from Joe, six verses in all, but I need some sleep! Will type them in tomorrow for you, Mick.

Noreen

Subject: Lyr Add: ROOSKA HILL
From: Noreen
Date: 23 May 01 - 04:15 AM

ROOSKA HILL
(traditional?)

One day for recreation, all easy in my mind,
The fields around were gaily crowned with flowers of every kind;
About midday I chanced to stray down by a purling rill,
And as I did pass I met a lass going down by Rooska Hill.

She was not vain but straight and plain and she was not too tall
I own she wore a purple robe likewise a knitted shawl.
Her flashing hair was blowing fair and she my eyes did fill
I really thought she was a queen that strayed to Rooska Hill.

Struck with amaze as I did gaze as she stood in my view
My heart did leap with such a heat I thought 'twould break in two
I then arose and did propose and said with right good will
Will you come with me my dearest dear tonight to Rooska Hill.

Oh no not I she did reply I can't grant your request
I'm waiting here for my Willie dear the lad that I love best.
I'll meet him yet about sunset down by the purling rill
And we both will roam along the grove tonight at Rooska Hill.

Oh pity me my dearest dear for I've a broken heart
'Twould be my doom to face the tomb if from you I must part.
With troubled mind I am inclined myself I'll surely kill
My heart quite cold you will behold tonight at Rooska Hill.

With a heavy sigh she then drew nigh and took me by the hand
Saying come with me my dearest dear we'll join in wedlock's band
For future life to be your wife for better or for ill
We'll bless the day we came that way to the foot of Rooska Hill.


A song from County Limerick, from the singing of Joe Kerins, Manchester UK 2001

NK

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Noreen
Date: 23 May 01 - 04:17 AM

(Doesn't sound like the recipe for a happy marriage to me....) :0(

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Micca
Date: 24 May 01 - 06:47 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: 'The Foot of Rooskey Hill'
From: Noreen
Date: 25 May 01 - 04:30 PM

Refreshing again to make sure Mick Henry sees the lyrics...