Description

Róise Rua was born in Donegal in 1879 and moved to the island of Arranmore off the Donegal coast at a young age. The fascinating story of her life was first recorded in Irish by Pádraig Ua Cnáimhsí and is translated into English here for the first time. In this evocative account of her life, Róise narrates her experiences of growing up, and recalls with great vividness the hiring fairs in Strabane, her teenage years working in the Lagan district, Derry and east Donegal, and her time spent 'tattie-hoking' on the potato farms of Scotland. She describes in arresting detail shipwrecks, secret societies, folklore from pre-Famine times and her memories of Ireland during the two world wars. In a story that reflects her vivacious personality, Róise's recollections are a fascinating record of a way of life long forgotten.

Pádraig Ua Cnáimhsí was born in Cruickamore in the Rosses of Donegal. He taught on Arranmore for 41 years and on meeting Róise, realised how important her story was and set about writing it down. J.J. Keaveny taught English for over 30 years. His interest in translating the Irish text was aroused when he was given a copy of the book to read during a stay in hospital.