Bernie Leddy began learning bataireacht after injuring his knee 15 years ago. He trained for two weeks in Canada with Glen Doyle, one of the last registered instructors worldwide. Doyle named Leddy chieftain of the art.

Bataireacht uses a shillelagh stick in a style that combines boxing, fencing and grappling. Practitioners now use foam sticks for training. The art originated in faction fights at community events to settle disputes.

Clubs operate across Northern Ireland, including in Dunmurry and Enniskillen. Members gathered for a session in Lurgan last month. Leddy views the community as a family that supports and protects its members.

Thirteen-year-old Loughlin qualified as a level four coach last year. He has trained for four years and introduced the art to his friends. Loughlin aims to promote bataireacht in Ireland and worldwide.

Martin O'Neill, who has taught martial arts for nearly 50 years, learned bataireacht at a seminar in Los Angeles. He now teaches it to women's groups for self-defence. O'Neill describes it as an effective method that promotes fitness and fun.