Days of the Blackthorn: Faction fighting and brutal activity in Kerry

In ‘Days of the Blackthorn’, folklore researcher Seán Moraghan provides a visceral sense of this brutal activity in Co Kerry.

Faction fighting in Ireland lasted from the start of the 18th century to the end of the 19th, yet has received little attention from historians.

It consisted of mass brawls at Irish fairs, markets, funerals, race meetings and other gatherings.