In 1798 the local rebels defeated the army of General Lake on the shores of Lough Bofin as part of the 1798 rebellion. There was also a 'Pleasure House' on the shores of the same lake, including a man-made beach only accessible to people from the Anglo-IrishProtestant class, which was later burned down. The Protestant church, in the centre of the village, was also attacked at this time. Roosky was a lively market village in the mid 20th Century. The bridge was the scene of conflict during the Irish Civil War in 1922 and was also an important focal point for the National Farmers Association strike in 1967. The portion of the village in county Leitrim was formerly known as Georgia village and constituted 5 houses and three licensed premises in 1925. This name is not in use today.
Facilities
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Roman Catholic church built in 1844, holds regular masses. The village has a supermarket, hairdressers, a Garda Station and bars. The community centre is located on the site of the old primary school. There are four pubs in business in Roosky; two on the Roscommon side: Noel's and Cox's Bar, and two on the Leitrim side: The Weir Lodge and Reynolds'.
Culture
The Shannon Key West Hotel was an entertainment venue in the village, until it went into liquidation, closing its doors on 18 October 2011. Every year, the village holds the 'Rooskey Heritage Festival,' usually in July.
Tourism
Roosky is a destination for anglers, as the River Shannon and the nearby loughs are well stocked with coarse fish including roach, perch and bream. The harbour and marina are especially busy in the summer, with cruise vessels regularly stopping here. The Rooskey Heritage Festival is also held annually in the village. This community festival includes live music and heritage displays, and promotes Rooskey village as a tourist destination. There are also art exhibitions, watersport displays and markets. Proceeds raised by the festival go towards the next year's festival and community projects which have included commissioning a wooden sculpture for the village, promoting the village's rich history by using plaques near points of interest and organising events all year celebrating heritage. Outdoor activities which take place locally include watersports, horse-riding, pony-trekking and walking.
Education
The village is served by the local primary school, Our Lady of Mount Carmel N.S., which was opened in 1997.
Industry
On 8 May 2002, a fire at the Glanbia Factory brought an end to bacon production, which had been important to the village for over 50 years. On the Leitrim side of the village, there is also a test tube making factory.
Roosky is represented in both GAA and soccer by Kilglass Gaels and Dynamo Rooskey, respectively. The village's GAA team was formerly known as Pat Molloy's from the 1910s to 1950s. This club then amalgamated with Slatta Parnellites, Tarmonbarry and Kilmore to form St. Barry's Ruskey. The club won the Junior County championship in 1969. The Kilglass Gaels Club was founded in 1983 and celebrated its silver anniversary in 2008. In 2007, the club won 7 county titles at various levels. The club has won championships at every grade, except senior, including the Intermediate Championship in 1999. In 2008, the club claimed the Junior "A" Championship after many years of competing at this level. The club also won a senior ladies county title in 2009.
Dynamo Rooskey F.C. was founded in 1978. The club was known previously as Rooskey Rangers. 'The Ger's' had a rivalry with Longford Town F.C., before the latter was admitted to the League of Ireland. The club's finest hour came when they shocked Drumcondra F.C. 3-1 in the 1958 FAI Cup2nd Round. In the next round, Rangers were soundly beaten 4–0 by Cork Hibernians at Quinn's Field. Other notable cup victories include wins against Portlaoise, Tullamore Town and Castlebar Celtic. In 1987, Dynamo lost the league on goal difference to Clones Town, after having what would've been a late winner ruled out for offside against Cavan Town on the final day. In 2000, Dynamo controversially lost 2 cup finals, to Longford Wanderers at Dalymount Park and to Connolly Celtic. Fallout from financial management difficulties caused the club to enter a period of examinership in 2010 and was subject to a winding up order taken by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
