Alison
Iknow very little about music and I don't know how to create a 'tune' that would help you with this song.
Here is a set of chords that work, (not from any book) and with a little bit of manipulation I'm sure you can find a key thet works for you
You strum it like an up beat version of 'Sunday Morning Comin Down' or Waylon and Willie's version of 'Good Hearted Woman'
On reflection, I think I strum every song this way !!!!
The song should be sung with a deadpan expression for maximum effect
(A)Daughter dearest daughter there's a wake down in Kil(E)dare
And the lodger, the lodger will surely be (A)there
I (D)know he's tall and handsome, I know he's tall and (A)straight
But keep your legs together coming (E)home from the (A)wake
etc.
Paddy(1)