John W. Hurley

The Shillelagh has become synonymous with stereotypes about the "Fighting Irish." The truth is that shillelagh fighting was originally a form of fencing which required training, discipline and skill. Often combining stick-fencing with boxing and wrestling, shillelagh fighting was a once a complex mixed martial art. Now for the first time "Fighting Irish: The Art Of Irish Stick-Fighting" describes and analyzes this fascinating sport, its essential nature and techniques. This authoritative classic contains clear cut descriptions of the most important offensive and defensive stick-fighting positions and methods. For the first time in history the basic concepts of Irish shillelagh fighting are laid out and explained for both the martial artist and the the interested reader.

"Druids, Bards, Satirists And Enchanters In Early Irish Literature", is a fascinating study into the nature of Irish Druids and Druidism as expressed in the various classes of F lidh or Poets who comprised the Druidic system.

This book is a reprint of Ned Donnelly's classic treatise on boxing.

"Old Sword Play" by Alfred Hutton remains one of the best texts on the use of historical weapons and the art of historical fencing styles. Hutton studied historical manuals and descriptions which he analyzed and was then able to explain to modern readers. Hutton explains the use of the two-handed sword, the rapier and dagger, broadsword and dagger, rapier and cloak, cloak and dagger, the case of rapiers and the transition period.

This dictionary contains all the terms necessary to help anyone practising Irish martial arts use the right Irish language terminology. With chapters on Archery, Boxing, Fencing, Judo and Wrestling, this book covers many modern martial arts and enables practitioners to access the language without being experts in it.

For centuries the Irish have been associated with a stick weapon called the Shillelagh. And for generations of Irishmen, the Shillelagh was a badge of honor - a symbol of their courage, their martial prowess and their willingness to fight for their rights