The goal Of Cluain Meala, lyrics and guitar chords

Written by James Callanan 1820s, also known as The Convict Of Clonmel. recorded by The Dubliners with Luke Kelly [ songs ] singing, I have also given the guitar chords in the key that Luke sings the song in. The sheet music is included. An Irish folk song.

[C]How hard is my[G] fortune
How vain my re[C]pining
The strong rope of[Am] fate
For my young neck is [G]twining
My [C]strength has departed
My [G]cheeks sunk and [C]sallow
As I languish in[F] chains
In the[G] gaol of Clûn [C]Malla
 
No boy in the village
Was ever yet milder
I could play with a child
And my sport be no wilder
I could dance without tiring
From morning til evening
And my goal ball I'd strike
To the lightning of heaven
 
At my bedfoot decaying
My hurley is lying
Through the lads of the village
My goal ball is flying
My horse 'mongst the neighbours
Neglected may fallow
While this heart young and gay
Lies cold in Clûn Malla
 
Next sunday the pattern
At home will be keeping
The lads of the village
The fields will be sweeping
And the dance of fair maidens
The evening will hallow
While this heart
Young and gay
lies cold in Clûn Malla 

Here are the guitar chords as played by Luke Kelly and The Dubliners.
[A]How [D]hard is my[A] fortune
How [C#m]vain [A]my re[D]pining
The strong rope of[Bm] fate
For my [A]young neck [Bm]is [A]twining
My [D]strength has [C]departed
My [G]cheeks [Bm]sunk and [A]sallow
[D]As I languish in[Em] chains
In the[A] gaol of Clûn [A]Malla

Luke Kelly learned the song The Jail Of Clonmel
from his good friend Liam Clancy. When The Clancy
Brothers and The Dubliners were travelling
around Ireland preforming at the fleadh cheoils
they used to meet up at various pubs to swop songs.