The Gaol of Clonmala | Traditional Irish Folk Ballad | #CelticMusic

The Gaol of Clonmala — A Song of Rebellion and Resolve

The Gaol of Clonmala (sometimes spelled Clonmel Gaol) is one of Ireland’s powerful rebel ballads — a song born from defiance, loss, and unbroken spirit.
It recalls the imprisonment and execution of Irish patriots during the 1798 Rebellion, when the struggle for independence swept through Tipperary and beyond.

The “gaol” — or jail — at Clonmel was infamous in those years for holding United Irishmen awaiting trial or death.
Through its verses, the song gives voice to those who faced the gallows with pride, declaring that their sacrifice would one day lead to freedom.

Like many Irish rebel songs, The Gaol of Clonmala blends grief with hope — a melody of resistance that refuses to fade.
It has been sung for generations as a reminder that Ireland’s freedom was built on courage, conviction, and song.



LYRICS


[Verse 1]

 How hard is my fortune,

 And vain my repining!

 The strong rope of fate

 For this young neck is twining.

 My strength is departed,

 My cheek sunk and sallow,

 While I languish in chains,

 In the gaol of Clonmala.

[Chorus]

 Clonmala, Clonmala,

 I languish in chains in Clonmala.

[Verse 2]

 No boy in the village

 Was ever yet milder,

 I’d play with a child,

 And my sport would be wilder.

 I’d dance without tiring

 From morning till evening,

 And the goal-ball I’d strike

 To the lightning of heaven.

[Chorus]

 Clonmala, Clonmala,

 I languish in chains in Clonmala.

[Verse 3]

 At my bed-foot decaying,

 My hurl-bat is lying,

 Through the boys of the village

 My goal-ball is flying.

 My horse ’mong the neighbours

 Neglected may fallow,

 While I pine in my chains,

 In the gaol of Clonmala.

[Verse 4 ]

 Next Sunday the patron

 At home will be keeping,

 And the young active hurlers

 The field will be sweeping.

 With the dance of fair maidens

 The evening they’ll hallow,

 While this heart, once so gay,

 Shall be cold in Clonmala.

[Final Chorus x2]

 Clonmala, Clonmala,

 This heart shall lie cold in Clonmala.


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