Irish Stick Fighting (Bataireacht) & Blackthorn

Do you know what the Dubliners or Bing Crosby meant when they sang about Shillelagh Law? Or perhaps you've wondered if Ireland ever had its own form of martial arts? We'll be discussing this, along with the mystical associations of blackthorn, in this week's exploration of bataireacht - the Irish art of stick fighting.
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Music featured in the video:
'The Hallion's Jig' written by Tara Tine, performed by Bellew & Tine
taratine.bandcamp.com/track/t...
'Accordless' written & performed by Tara Tine
'Horror House' written & performed by Aaron Kenny
'The Fisherman's Reel' written & performed by Tara Tine
'The Oriel March' performed by the Oriel Traditional Orchestra and composed by Daithí Kearney. Audio editing by Stephanie Caffrey. The recording was made for a project with the Heritage Office of Louth County Council and funded by The Creative Ireland Programme (Louth).

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

I’m a full time professional blackthorn stick maker from kerry , thank for promoting blackthorn .

[@superguero69]

Website?

[@1stinlastout165]

This gentleman is one of the best stick makers!

[@slrjona6755]

I have looked at you’re website for years wanting to buy myself a walking stick.truly amazing work

[@tiredgoblinboi]

Do you have a website? I'd love to order one sometime

[@joshuaharville5901]

I’m a long time subscriber to Francis since a friend of mine bought me one of his sticks, and he’s inspired me to grow my own blackthorn in my yard.

[@tiredgoblinboi]

"seven shades of shite out of each other" made my night lol!

[@josephdouglas2783]

Respect goes out to any stick maker who cuts their own Blackthorn wood. Any man who is willing to take on the nature of the mighty blackthorn must not be afraid to spill some blood, because Blackthorn demands something from you in return, your respect!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

I'd still be steering clear of fairy rings though, that's just asking for trouble!

[@Beekind799]

yes@@DiaryofaDitchWitch

[@brucekaraus7330]

You are the loveliest and most enthusiastic and animated storyteller of lore and history I've ever seen. There are no finer people in Europe.

[@Beekind799]

shes great,this is what the real irish are like

[@allanhorne6067]

My fencing instructor had a Victorian (?) book on defending oneself against footpads and rogues etc. which advocated blackthorn over other woods because having an oval cross section made the grain stronger in the striking direction.

[@joannebattersby8365]

I use shagbark hickory staff for waking. It shatters but wont break. I have copper bands on it and a natural club at the top. I live where there are vicious dogs running wild and I need my staff not only for leaning on when tired but fir dogs - and cars. I've smacked a few over the years that wouldn't stop at crosswalks. Makes a dandy dent - I used to peg rocks but connecting with the car is more satisfying. 😂

[@davidletasi3322]

My wife purchased an ancient blackthorn cane for me at a flea market for 50 cents. I've used for over half a century for hiking and now general walking. The handle has a natural knarled shape and rather unique. I have been asked about it hundreds of times over the years. Numerous people have offered me generous sums of money to sell it. To me, it's unique and a gift from my better half. It's a trusty, formable cane and defense weapon if necessary. If anything, it's a great conversation item as well!

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

I think I am in love with your mystical and enchanting Irish ways. ❤🍀

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

🤮

[@kellysardella928]

Love this video. 💚 My Nan told me women also had smaller ones they could hide under their aprons & used at time to coral a wayward husband, she carried one to " bat away unwanted attention." She had two & they went to my uncles . My son bought me one & I cherish it for its lore & utility. Looking forward to taking your class soon.

[@lekocafe]

I'm of Irish stock and when I was a child I always picked up sticks in the woods. I have a hiking stick that is solid oak that i have had since 1979 and it has served me very well, I have never had to use it for defense is there but it's nice to know it is there. Thank you for a very informative video! I think the Fairies made sure I would have it!

[@shawntailor5485]

79 was a good year ,been saving a bottle of fine wine since 79 ,hope to share with a classmate if I ever make a reunion . Moms family was famous for irish whiskey.

[@donloughrey1615]

Thank you and greetings from U.S. If I got into trouble, my Dad use to say, "If you do that again, I'll take the Shillelagh to ya". He would have loved to hear you talk. He loved the Irish accent, it seemed musical to him. I carved a walking stick for my brother in law after he had back surgery and he said he wasn't going to walk around looking like an old man with a cane (he was only 65). He didn't want it but when I said it wasn't a cane, it was a Shillelagh, he smiled and grabbed it from my hand. It isn't a Shillelagh but I won't say anything.👍

[@bernardleddy7305]

Hi Tara, Im a traditional Irish stick fighter carrying on the tradition, are ya interested in learning it?

[@katinss9983]

brilliant, Bernard , I never even knew it existed, I always wondered about the old 'walking sticks ' people would carry. I knew there was something more to it but wow. they carried them during brit occupation to protect themselves.

[@bernardleddy7305]

@@katinss9983 I'm in Leitrim and I'm spreading the word and keeping it alive. If you wish to know more please let me know

[@katinss9983]

@@bernardleddy7305 THat's great, if you have a facebook page or website about it, that would get peopel interested in it too.

[@bernardleddy7305]

@@katinss9983 it’s goes even further back than the brits, in fact it’s linked originally to Celtic sword work. It came more prevalent in the 17th century when it was being recorded and even ended up in the Houses of Parliament discussing their lack of control on the Irish 😀. Equally hated by the church as again they couldn’t control it!

[@katinss9983]

@@bernardleddy7305 wow, that's incredible, I had no idea. Why does nobody talk about it? Thank heavens for people like yourself keeping the history and traditions alive .

[@idontbelieveyou]

That was great stuff Tara. Love the production... and location! And right outside your door. So good to see the blackthorn and furze blooming. I have my mother's blackthorn cane... missing her and Ireland. Thank you for connecting me, especially with the sounds of birds and water and wind... just lovely and balm for the soul... even if you were talking about bashing people's heads in 😂🤣😂

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

😂🤣 it couldn't be all sunshine and birdsong for too long Susan, you know yourself 😆😆😆 and thanks for sharing treasured memories ❤ x

[@tx.tactical3165]

Howdy from TEXAS, thanks for posting.

[@jennycolley7265]

That was brilliant, thanks Tara! Being English and interested in Irish magic, history, music and myth, I always wince in deep shame to hear how bloody awful the English were to the Irish, but it absolutely needs to be said and heard. Will definitely be taking your course at the IPS as soon as I can manage it!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks Jenny!

[@eleveneleven572]

To be fair it was the Normans who were responsible and they were just as vile towards the English.

[@Hadrada.]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch Hi what was that at 5.09/5.10 behind you on the left of the screen Go take a look

[@dobbynp]

here we go.........feeling guilt and expressing remorse for things you had nothing to do with......pathetic

[@jennycolley7265]

​@dobbynp Good thing I've worked on it then and realised why that's problematic as an attitude. Good luck with yours though.

[@georgesutter2256]

In South Africa the Zulu people use the same thing called a knob kierrie. This form of stick fighting is a national sport among some tribes

[@richardracy9496]

I am Irish (mostly!); my father's mother was Lilly Kennedy, and the whole family was black Irish! I loved your video on sheleighs. I have a blackthorn one. If I could, I'd move to Ireland. I've grown tired of America. It's not what it was anymore nor what the Founding Father's vision was. I'd be happy in Ireland. I'm 75, healthy, strong, and a scholar by mind. Ireland is real home.😊

[@OwbuR.N]

Hi, im told from my mothers side ‘Cogan’ that we’re black Irish too.. but we dont know any of our Irish relations to ask about this.. is there a link with the Basque peoples of Northern Spain?

[@richardracy9496]

@OwbuR.N My understanding is that the "black Irish" term refers to those whose personality is very pleasant and helpful unless insulted, manipulated, mishandled in any way, and then they rebound with seriousness of effect and no sense of concern or fear. It's common to think that you never want to mistreat a black Irishman--it's not healthy! It's associated more comenly with the western area population who have a lot of Spanish blood from the Spanish sailors who survived in western Ireland after the storm wreck of the armada trying to get away from the English after the huge navel battle that Spain lost. I don't know about the Basgue in Northern Spain.

[@roweng.4245]

I have a vintage blackthorn walking stick, acquired from an estate sale. The people running the sale said that it had come from Ireland with an uncle in the '40s or '50s. I've never had any trouble from it, but I am respectful.

[@Hallowheim]

Just bought me first one and've been practicing ever since I saw this video, thank you for makin this

[@bo0tsy1]

Amazing history of the shillelagh. Cute lass, and glad she rocks a shillelagh.

[@glynnphillips9703]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. My grandma had a shalalle

[@johnmccarthy2179]

I think the fairy’s have been writing on the palm of your hand, love your presentation.

[@reginafinan2819]

One of my uncles used to make shillelaghs from blackthorn & hawthorn. I remember him once laugh that "to get something you have to give something", in my mind this always translated to you needed to leave an offering first by the tree you wanted to harvest from & if it was gone in the morning it was grand for ya to take a piece for your craft.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

That's a very good idea! 😀

[@reginafinan2819]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch Glad you like it. It always just made sense to me 😅

[@livereatingjohnson8231]

Ordered a leaded Blackthorn walking stick from Olde Shillelagh, very impressed with it.

[@GregsGuitarTunes]

Some 20 years ago I shattered my ankle and needed a cane during recovery. I never could see myself with a drugstore-style hook cane and discovered the blackthorn shillelagh through research. According to the maker I had to measure hip height to get the correct length for learning to walk again. I'm not saying that something different wouldn't have worked but I found blackthorn to be lightweight but incredibly strong and after my experience learning to walk again I'll never recommend anything else. I treasure my shillelagh and consider myself fortunate to have one.

[@MitchBast-xu7jg]

I could listen to you talk all day long. I have Irish ancestry and there is something in your voice that's as familiar to Me as the back of my hand

[@ramblingkern]

Good to see more videos on the topic I do plenty about Irish stick fighting and teach the two surviving styles here in Dublin. If you are ever up this way drop by.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

What part of the country are you based? We'll definitely have to have a chat at some point!

[@ramblingkern]

@@DiaryofaDitchWitch im in south Dublin. I look forward to it.

[@donnavorce8856]

Thanks for a fun and instructional presentation on Irish things.

[@dianedonnelly6364]

Very interesting and informative! Nice to hear the background about this Irish tradition. Bernard Leddy runs ISF classes in Manorhamilton ( The Fighting Hares), great fun and a good way of getting some exercise ( mental and physical) at the same time as learning a "new" skill. Proud to be playing a very small part in helping to keep old traditions alive! So grab yer sticks and join in 😀

[@karlbyrne6021]

Just join your local hurling club

[@kenshin73himura70]

How fascinating! Thank you for teaching this old pup something new! Kudos!!!👍🤘

[@francisfischer7620]

My mom used to say she'd Shellalie us! And she DID!!

[@Ttran778]

A lass that curses as much as I did in my navy days and capable of chewing bark with a shillelagh? Oh be still my beating heart

[@Ew-qw9tp]

I inherited my granddad's blackthorn stick. Those beauties are no joke!

[@follc1991]

I think some of that herb magic got into this video because I’m in love!!!!

[@buffplums]

My goodness what a passionate woman so knowledgeable and so well presented. ❤️

[@bnewellz]

A stab from a Blackthorn thorn can cause "Blackthorn arthritis" and more often than not septic poisoning if it breaks off under the skin. For that reason, the 2 or 3 inches near the tip was often left with the thorns in tactic to keep any would be assailant at bay. They were the poor man's sword when carrying swords was still legal in Ireland and a substitute when they were not. This allowed a light stick to be potentially lethal so it didn't need to be a heavy club. It's not hard to see where the superstitions surrounding it came from. The Royal Ulster Constabulary in the North of Ireland still carried heavy Blackthorns, without the thorns, until the 1980s.

[@OwbuR.N]

Ive had that and found that stinging nettle cure worked

[@awkwardzoltar3529]

Lady you’re scaring Me! That being said good job. 👏 👏 👏

[@davidgeldner2167]

I collect sticks, clubs etc and I have 2 blackthorn pieces. They are some of my favorites in my collection, no question. It's tough as hell too

[@dogstar5572]

What a great story teller you are.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thank you!

[@bernhardemanon9293]

Danke, neues u. interessantes über den Shillelagh zu hören und dabei noch meine Sprachkenntnisse zu verbessern, besser gehts kaum.

[@itzybitzyspyder]

I've always wanted a blackthorn stick. I did make myself a proper birch staff that i left some little love nubs on the side of. The stick was the first tool that man ever used. Nothing more useful than an arm extension that can be replaced if it gets damaged. Great video.

[@kathrynmannyng3885]

Your sparring partner is very patient.

[@NatureFolklore]

One thing I notice is there seems to be more blackthorns around holy wells than hawthorns, especially around South Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon. But I do not think I have seen one used as a rag tree or tree for for hanging cluties yet. I’ve seen a cedar used for hanging rags at one well rather than use the blackthorn there. I love sloe jelly though.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Yes I'm bowled over by the amount of it here! We mostly had hawthorn in Louth!

[@OwbuR.N]

When the black n haw/whitethorns around sacred spring mature they drop their thorns n wild apple created.. esp. if around a circle ash hollowed out n flower petal opened with elder, bramble and wild rose there too Some kind o magic☘️🖤

[@anathamon]

Literally never heard of this until today. I’m all for it though.

[@Mythocentric]

This is what a KZbin information video should be like. Forget the American efforts with their mispronunciations or even worse, computer voice-overs. This is down-to-earth, informative and highly enjoyable with an appealing, attractive presenter! Incidentally, I'm a pensioner and by a strange coincidence, my trusty walking stock is finest Irish blackthorn!

[@queenoftemplar]

Great video ❤🎉 Thank You

[@1974fatback]

7 seconds in and I’m in tears 😂 New sub here.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Welcome! 😅

[@goldilocks913]

I’ve got a smoother looking blackthorn stick and love it! I expect Tara needs hers to beat of the local suitors!

[@sacredcloud23]

Excellent film. Interesting and informative. Thank you.

[@authormichellefranklin]

Dave's face 🤣 Well done, Dave. Good man yerself. Great stuff, Tara!

[@naughtyfred1639]

Extremely fascinating video. But I could listen to her talk all day...... about anything.

[@scipioafricanus4875]

Great introduction to the blackthorn thanks

[@FrankCastle187]

This was awesome! I had heard the term and seen “Gangs of New York”. But never knew it had such a rich history throughout the entire population!

[@ameliaannhouck2670]

I LOVED THIS AND THAT IRISH ACCENT !!

[@samuelhatman8995]

OK... mebbe half Irish here and 70. What happens when I watch anything from there? I feel outta place and like I should stand on Irish soil and complete who I think I am. Finished you know... I also found, cut and made my own stick 50 years ago and rue the day I lost it! This was a wonderful video to get me started on my journey back, to my old stick and maybe Ireland in a couple a years. If you've ever felt displaced from your roots, you get me for sure. Thanks for your work on this channel! I subbed will see about joining a bit down the road. Sam Oh... my wife and I raised three wonderful Kerry Blue Terriers and counted them as precious as our own child.

[@zitafitzgerald5906]

I had my great grandad Shillelagh from Shillelagh Wicklow. 😮 madness

[@j.b.4340]

Well, that was fun. Thank you, dear. 🙂

[@brianmacc1934]

Im a full -blooded born and bred irishman and i never knew we had stick fighting

[@betsysutton13]

I absolutely adored this!

[@sbdiaries]

A really interesting share Tara learning the myths and history of sticks and herbal medicines ❤. Thanks for sharing 👍 greetings from England 🇬🇧 Simon and Beth ❤👋❤️

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Thanks for dropping in, you two 😊

[@willcall9431]

Great candid video. Had no idea that stick fighting was a thing.

[@anemkee]

This was amazing!

[@Mick.truth.seeker]

Ive got my blackthorn had it for years great video love it my family live in Limrick wow amazing history

[@NeonCicada]

This came out wicked awesome 😄

[@dorothysue1]

Lovely! Thank you.

[@joeswampdawghenry]

Lovely

[@floccinaucinihilipilifications]

Love the detailed history ! Thank you!

[@ExposingReflections]

My father, in the colonies, and a farmer, would collect diamond willow staffs and dry and peel them and annoint them with oil or shellac. They were given as gifts to those who were wanting or in need of a proper walking stick. I wonder if it was something in his Irish background that he learned without knowing. It seemed to him, it was something a proper man would use when taking a walk. They weren't staff length, only cane length, ever. Much like the size you display. Thanks for the excellent video. I'll gift myself the educational course for Christmas, but i won't wait that long to purchase it. I'm glad I found you.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

I'm glad you've found this useful, thanks for your comment!

[@3pipper]

Well presented, dulcet tone awe inspiring scenery and very informative knowledge…

[@randymcadoo8977]

I love this topic I would love to hear more about it 👍

[@paulineclarke8922]

Really enjoyed this. ❤

[@Multheman02]

Love this ladies intro! 😂

[@adamkilroe9840]

My family came to Sheffield from South Down and Roscommon in 1901 and 1902. Blessed Be❤❤❤

[@kimsherlock8969]

Loved watching 😊

[@marktser0jedi]

Loved it , what a great video!

[@kensomers8936]

I bought my shalleighla from Casey Decklan of Ennis Ireland. It is beautiful . Im going to ireland this summer I will be stopping in to see Casey and buy another one

[@Murphy881]

Very cool!

[@Raykenn1]

Great video, thanks for posting 👍

[@harlanfreeze6002]

I love your channel. Glad I found it.❤😂 perfect balance between educational yet down to earth. I have Elliot in my blood. Dont know if its irish or Scottish. But, I must relate a funny story. I was out on the town within the New Orleans French Quarter. As the band took the stage, the singer said his name was O'Donnell. To which o shouted toward the stage with my pickled brain, "Oh, so you are Irosh, I love the Irish, your people are so witty". To which the singer shyly admitted, "Well, actually I AM only half Irish." To which o couldnt help but shout back in front of the crowd "So, is that your way of telling us you're a half wit?" To which the drummer did a quick drum roll. It was hilarious. At least to me. But, who cant love the story telling Irish? Long may yall live.

[@Outrider74]

I love the Irish stickfighting arts. I planted a blackthorn here (Michigan, US) and it’s thriving quite well. It’s a pity that Ireland as a whole nearly lost this art. A man (or woman) with a stick in hand makes for a civilized and respected society.

[@marksadventures3889]

Blessed Samhain sister. Great video.

[@iancowan3527]

Thank you for sharing and helping to keep the history alive!

[@buffalobrando1288]

Excellent video! Quick witted and informative.

[@rafiqkatana]

Good research. Great Delivery.

[@michaelflores3767]

Great information.

[@jjoo6229]

How refreshing.

[@claudemorneau9491]

Hey Tara. I enjoyed this subject very much. Please keep up the great job. Hope to see more

[@lynnjohnston8048]

Love learning history and about plants, trees and what they were used for besides fireplaces. Thank you

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

Very enjoyable hank you. Made me chuckle several times. Take care Ditch Witch

[@Ratt611]

Informative and entertaining, great presentation! 👍

[@jamesfranklin5541]

Thank you!

[@jackrice2770]

I just like hearing her talk. The Irish accent is like music to these old ears.

[@HHHarmony777]

The beautiful blossom of the blackthorn is out here on the Isle of Wight …. But I won’t be tempted to try and make a stick out of it … 😱😂

[@dennisszejman6390]

What a beautiful country Ireland is and this lady is so cool. I'd love to live there someday. Thanks for sharing this video and many blessings to you.

[@dianeteeter6650]

This should be viewed by all women and their daughters.

[@dianewatier50]

Another fascinating vlog Tara!

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Merci mon amie xxx

[@juliemichaud8990]

My friend, has very old, knob stick...horns on it, sharp chin, face you'd never forget..started down from fathers side...

[@mediclimber]

Great video. I've had a Blackthorn Officers Walking Stick since the early 70's and can say it makes a formidable weapon when need. And it looks good too.

[@kev-larscuba2323]

Instantly subscribed 🫡 Love you and your channel ! - Keep up the great work !

[@coolworx]

Watching Notre Dame football, I always thought _The Fighting Irish_ was a compliment.

[@DiaryofaDitchWitch]

Yeah it's definitely not.

[@coolworx]

My deep apologies for any offense. Certainly wouldn't want to experience the business end of a sheleighly! @@DiaryofaDitchWitch

[@kerrieannebaker8595]

brilliant!