Cluain Tarbh Lyrics & Chords By Mael Mórdha

Flying went the Ficheal Board as Mael Mórdha entered a rage
At the sons of the Boróimhe for the taunts which they spoke
About deeds past of which they scarcely knew,
Mighty was the fury into which the King flew.

Back, back, back he rode, from the High King's Dún
Brí­an's messenger with peace offering had his skull clove in two
The sea between Laighean and the Lochlannaigh host
Grew thick with their dragonboats fierce as Sitric Norse
King of Dubh Linn summoned a great host

With Gormfhlaith, Mórdha's sister, as the main bait
The Norsemen flocked from the Shetlands, Hebrides and Orkneys
The holy land of Mannanán, halfway across the sea
From Cornwall, Flanders and Normandy, they came for the melée

Brí­an on hearing of invaders
Many gathered his clans and headed east
At Cluain Tarbh they did assemble
And prepared for great slaughter
Flying the banner of the raven black
The Lochlannaigh host did attack
Victory prophesized on that day: Good Friday 1014.

Gael fought Viking fought Viking fought Gael
As their weapons drank their fill
The tide was turning against Ború
'Til Mael Seachlainn arrived with forces new
D'eitilt an Mórrigán trasna Cluain Tarbh
The warriors of Wodea turned and fled
The Boróimhe forces led great slughter
Mannanán took their longships
The sea turned red

Brodar came from Man seeking Brí­an's wife
Brodar fled the battle taking Brí­an's life
He fought a bloody fight at the edge of Tomar's wood
Cutting the High King down in his tent:
Brí­an's Shieldgeld then slew Brodar too

Many men went to Valhalla still more to Donn's cave
Though the power of the Lochlannaigh was broken on that day
Did die the kings of Orkney, Hebrides and Man
So too did die Mael Mórdha, did the sons of Brí­an's clan
The Kingship of Ériu did revert to the King of old
Mael Seachlainn returned to Tara to reclaim its halls as his own