This is the private e-list of author John W. Hurley for discussing traditional Gaelic Irish stick-fighting and other Na Healaíonaí an Chogaidh Éireannach (Irish Martial Arts), as a martial arts path. The keywords here being "martial arts path", means that Irish history, martial technique and Irish, Roman Catholic spirituality are all topics for discussion (**as they relate to martial arts**) since they are all components of this path. All are welcome, however bigotry/racism/anti-Catholicism/anti-Catholic evangelization, will not be tolerated on this list. Self-proclaimed internet "experts" and tough guys who join to only berate others, also need not apply. Like all martial arts, Irish MA's are divided into two areas of Féinchosaint (self defense) - Troid Armáílte (Armed Fighting) and Gráscar Lámh (Hand to Hand Fighting). For more information on Na Healaíonaí an Chogaidh Éireannach and the terms associated with them see my website johnwhurley.com and my publications at lulu.com/shillelagh