Explore the world of ireland's indigenous fighting arts. from the fianna to the fenians, ireland has had a warrior culture that traces back millennia. the tradition of fighting has long thrived amongst the indigenous population which encouraged a habit of native martial arts being practiced and developed all across the island's green shores. they included boxing styles, wrestling systems and vicious stick fighting practices that were fought ritualistically and trained from early age. the reputation of 'the fighting irish' was not earned lightly.this book is an exploration of the various combative systems that were endemic to ireland before the traditional ways were forever changed by british colonisation and other outside influences. similar to the chinese, japanese and the people of thailand, the irish trained and competed in their home-bred martial arts with a great sense of pride and honour. often training for years to master the skills of their chosen art. the fighters fought in dangerous bouts that could on times cause great injury and on some occasions prove fatal. they fought to become champions, for honour and for the honour of their family or 'clann'. so what are these martial arts? let us take a journey into the mysterious world of gaelic martial arts and here we shall discover what we seek.