Shillelagh: The Irish Fighting Stick

by John W. Hurley

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.

Genres: Martial Arts

372 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2007

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to this martial art that covers the social, economic and political history of it's use in Ireland. The author has done his research with this one and gives a broader picture of Ireland through the centuries, worth reading for the general history of Ireland by itself.

[chris harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book but kind of a lot said on a simple subject

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in European (and American) martial arts history, the rich tradition of Irish martial arts, or stick fighting and martial arts traditions and practicality, or Irish history in general, this should be an addition to your library. A very interesting and comprehensive book, and I truly hope that Glen Doyle's book on his own family's style of Shillelagh fighting is published soon, as I am both interested in the history of this tradition and the actual techniques themselves. All cultures have warrior traditions, though they have not all been preserved or remembered equally. Hurley does a great service to the Irish warrior tradition here, and to all European martial arts traditions in this important book. As a lifelong martial artist who has also trained in weapons and competed in stick fighting competitions, I perhaps enjoyed the most myself those segments of the book that narrated actual examples of combat, as I understood exactly what was done. As an English professor, I have to say that many portions of this book well-deserve a more thorough editing though, again, I applaud the author for putting this book out there and helping to bring a fuller perspective to martial arts history.

[Thomas Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It gives a comprehensive history of the Irish fighting spirit!