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World famous Irish Shillelagh stick unveiled as a martial arts weapon

Cork group use blackthorn stick for fitness and social interaction

PATRICK COUNIHAN,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Thursday, December 27, 2012, 6:25 AM

Updated Thursday, December 27, 2012, 9:41 AM

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The Shandon Shillelagh Social Club members in Cork.

Photo by DENIS MINIHANE

Ireland’s famous shillelagh stick is now being used as a martial arts weapon by a Cork group anxious to tackle social isolations.

The Irish Times reports that members of the Shandon Shillelagh Social Club are practising a form of non-combative martial arts with the iconic blackthorn stick.

The club are keen to improve fitness levels among older men as they tackle social isolation in their area.

Instructor Martin Forrest told the paper that he teaches a programme which combines elements of Tai Chi and Pilates and involves the use of the shillelagh for self-defence.

Forrest said: “It’s not about fighting, it’s about self-defence, personal safety, mobility and wellness.

“It gives the men confidence to know they can protect themselves. Above all it’s fun, it’s a good laugh. It’s creating a space where people can talk together.”

The unique club is part of a programme of activities organised by a local men’s group set up to tackle social isolation among men in the community.

Founder Martin Aherne told the Irish Times that the group has already performed demonstrations in Cork and Dundalk.

They plan to travel to London next year for a St Patrick’s Day event hosted by the Irish Cultural Centre.

They have also been invited to perform in Limerick next summer as part of the Gathering 2013.

Community health worker Aherne said: “It’s great for the men, both for their physical and mental well-being.”

Nster.com

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pilib04 | Dec 30, 2012, 01:49 PM EST

Go raibh maith agat, Smyrnian. I have two hawthorn walking sticks. A shillelagh is a easily identifiable weapon without any other plausible use. For heavens sake Patrick Counihan. Do visit Ireland some time in your life!

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Smyrnian | Dec 29, 2012, 07:39 AM EST

In the photo are lots of tourist type people waving blackthorn walking sticks; not a shillelagh in sight. Where does IC get this drivel? This is complete nonsense but maybe that's the idea.....

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Stiofain | Dec 28, 2012, 04:57 PM EST

Phaenius are you referring to the Second Amendment? I, personally, am worried about losing my voting rights(which the GOP is trying to do, re: the shenanigansin OH,PA,FL,AZ)then The Second Amendment,right now.If we lose our voting rights we damn sure will need the guns!Bock I guess your right.

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kinvara7 | Dec 28, 2012, 12:45 PM EST

Bock: My first message states that the shillelagh's origin is in self defence etc. -your first message to me clearly doubts this. It would appear that this is the first you've heard about Bataireacht, and the limit of your research so far seems to be a dictionary description written by Dineen; a priest writing in the late 1800s. Despite this, you feel confident enough to say that there is/was no skill or instruction involved -that it was, and is, at best just a 'brawl'. I believe there is a stone carving in St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny (dating from around 1507), depicting a man armed with what appears to be a shillelagh.

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Phaenius | Dec 28, 2012, 09:37 AM EST

In keeping with the sentiments of Irish Central concerning guns, even the first amendment of the American Constitution, the strength and stoutness of the shillelagh befits it for steadying the gait of portly Irish gentlemen coming home from the pubs, or for those of advanced years to walk along the poorly lit lanes and that crossing the meadows between towns. That is because the first amendment is only for the benefit of hunters taking their hunting rifles and shotguns to militia training. Self defense...heavens forbid, that is for the draconian constabulary to perform, with their sticks, stones and guns, as they protect us from the criminal with their knives, forks, and knobbin’ knockers.

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Bocktherobber | Dec 27, 2012, 08:22 PM EST

The First Law of Irish Central. No subject lasts more than a day before some fool tries to change it.

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aloistmartin | Dec 27, 2012, 07:34 PM EST

Only a Foolish Old Man would choose a Walking Stick over an AA-12 When the Stool Pigeons in Dublin turn your Farms over to Archibald Cunningham you`ll wish you never listened to all that Liberal Wish Wash from Bill and Hilary Clinton !

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cillowen | Dec 27, 2012, 06:33 PM EST

this is brilliant - Ireland’s famous shillelagh sticks instead of guns is the answer. Cracking the noggin with knob should leave an imprint.

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Stiofain | Dec 27, 2012, 05:16 PM EST

When I was kid, I saw many a stick about 2ft long, with a big knob on one end(looked like a hammer) that I was told was a Shillelagh, the ones shown in this picture was called a "Walking Stick."I also heard the phrase "stick fighting" no further description that I can remember.

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seanomelb | Dec 27, 2012, 04:56 PM EST

Clowngate needs a few whelps of some sort of stick to beat some sense into him.

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Towngate | Dec 27, 2012, 04:15 PM EST

A GARDA SPOKESMAN said : " All dis taaalk av what the sthick is for is all rubbidge. 'Til d'Irish Clubbing assault weapon of choice. It is also used ta frighten away de Fairies by dem who believes dem tings and dey can always wipe da blood off and use it as a waaalking sthick!" Then he added " Shur, oI'm niver widout one myself!" He then left saying he was going to post an APB to catch Mr Bock - The Robber!

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Bocktherobber | Dec 27, 2012, 04:15 PM EST

Kinvara7 -- I don't recall doubting that sticks are used for fighting. Where did you notice me saying that? But as regards elevating a brawl to a martial art, I'm afraid you're grasping at straws. There is no ancient Irish martial art involving the use of sticks. This is utter nonsense.

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Joe Kelsall | Dec 27, 2012, 01:51 PM EST

I currently live in Liverpool UK. I always have my shillelagh handy;you can use it as a walking aid as well

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johnshiel | Dec 27, 2012, 01:40 PM EST

I'd like to see a video clip of these guys shillelaghing, and wouldn't it be curious to see a flash mob video created of docile geezers starting to move in unison, canes becoming weapons, doddering becoming dominating...?

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kinvara7 | Dec 27, 2012, 12:27 PM EST

Bock: My first post was in response to the above article which seems to think that the use of the shillelagh for self defence is a new thing. First you seemed to doubt that they were used for anything other than walking. Now that you have begun to research bataireacht, you have instead decided to accept its existence but ridicule it as a tradition which we should be ashamed of. Please understand that Dineen was a Priest writing in the late 1800s, therefore his description is predictable. Do you think that the Chinese etc., should be ashamed of their martial arts? I understand that there are bataireacht classes in Canada and Austria. Only Irish people with a very bad case of the auld 'inferiority complex' would ignore the historic aspects as well as the positive potential of bataireacht.

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