Kuban Celtic Martial Arts Event΄ 2007

Bataireacht is a term used to describe the various stickfighting "martial arts" of Ireland. The term is found in all Irish language dictionaries including that of Dineen. Researcher and author John W. Hurley is attributed with reintroducing the term into modern usage among English speakers through his many articles and books.

"Bata" (or "bhata" depending upon context), is a general term which can mean any kind of stick. The actual bata or stick used for bataireacht is often referred to as a "Sail-Éille" or phonetically in English as "shillelagh". The word "cudgel" is also used in period texts. Traditionally, blackthorn, oak, ash and hazel were the most common types of woods used to make shillelagh fighting sticks. In the 19th century bataireacht became associated with Irish gang or "faction" fighting. Some evidence exists which indicates that, prior to the 19th Century, the term had been used to refer to a form of stick-fencing used to train Irish soldiers in broadsword and sabre techniques.