The distinctions of the faction could be as simple as a surname or as grand as one s allegiance to one s county. However, once the sides were picked and the lines drawn, the stick seemed to be the weapon of choice (most likely because of its easy availability). Groups of men would train in secret and ready themselves as best they could for the coming fight. Some systems were born from mimicking the motions of fencing and swordplay, but the techniques adjusted to incorporate hitting rather than slicing.

As the time passed and some factions grew in strength or reputation, it makes sense that they would want to keep their stick techniques unique to their fighters thus as with many Celtic practices oral tradition became commonplace and word of mouth was the best way to assure none could get an upper hand on you. It is probably an obvious observation that certain factions would draw their identities from their style of stick fighting and guard this style with their lives, only teaching those within the family or the circle of trust.

As Ireland moved forward politically, economically, etc modernization seemed to move the entire country away from many of her indigenous traditions and stick fighting was no exception. With the availability of sword to guns, the need for skills in stick combat seems to fall by the wayside and this coupled with the fact that the majority of these fighting techniques were passed on practically and orally, the Irish art of Stick Fighting came close to being extinct barely surviving through old stories told at parties, a small number of brief historical references, and a few practitioners who were proud enough to pass on their knowledge to the future generations.

Today Irish Stick Fighting is enjoying a resurgence of interest and the art, skill, and techniques born on the Irish battlefield seem to have survived the ages and are once again available to the modern day warrior.