Star of the County Down - Irish Traditional

Near Banbridge town in the County Down
one morning last July,
from a boreen green came a sweet Colleen
And she smiled as she passed me by.
She looked so sweet from her two bare feet
To the sheen of her nut-brown hair.
Such a coaxing elf, sure I smyself
For to so see I was really there.

As she onward sped, sure I scratched my head
And I looked with a feeling rare.
And I say, say's I, to a passer - by,
"Who's the maid with the nut - brown hair"?
He smiled at me and with pride says he,
"She's the gem of Ireland's crown.
Young Rosie Mc Cann, of the banks of the bann
She's the star of the County Down."

From Bantry Bay up to Derry Quay
And from Galway to Dublin town
No maid I've seen like the sweet colleen
That I met in the County Down.
I've travelled a bit, but never was hit
Since my roving career began
But fair and square I surrendered there
To the charms of young Rose McCann.
I'd a heart to let and no tenant yet
Did I meet with in shawl or gown