![]() That said, the origin of the region’s name has little to no relevance in this case, as genericization is a process that is not concerned with the original meaning of the word, quite the contrary. The name of the barony itself seems to come from Síol Elaigh, referring to the « descendants of Ealach » who settled the area in the Medieval era. It seems to show up around the mid 18th century, which coincides with the last days of the shillelagh forest having been exploited to near oblivion during that century. Mostly because, like so many words relating to weapons and especially when the working class is concerned, and even more so when dealing with Ireland, we do not quite know when the term shillelagh appeared. So the phenomenon is well known, and it is not impossible that this was indeed the origin of the word, but the question is: can we reasonably prove it? Modern examples include escalator, aspirin, kleenex, xerox or even nintendo, which for a time became synonym with « game console » before the company launched a campaign to preserve it’s integrity. The name Paddy was for a long time a stereotypical way to refer to any Irishmen at home and abroad. The name Colichemarde, possibly referring to a member of the Swedish Königsmarck family, came to refer to a specific type of smallsword blade in the 18th century. For example, The Scots sometimes used the name of the famous smith Andrea Ferara to talk about their broadswords even when they had nothing to do with the man. This may sound strange, but this phenomenon is actually quite common and you probably use it regularly sometimes even without knowing. The story goes that the famous oak forest that lied there produced some of the best fighting sticks, and so the name-by antonomasia or genericization- became associated with the weapon. The first one, probably the most common since the late 18th century, is that the name comes from the barony of Shillelagh in county Wicklow. In the present day, there are two main theories. ![]() So let’s look at the different theories around the origin of the word and see if they make sense. After a lot of research on the subject, I decided to write down what I have found. Much ink has been spilled to try and establish the origin of this word which unfortunately seem rather lost to time. But probably the most contentious one has been « shillelagh ». Bata, bata mor, cipín, maide, cleith ailpin these names should sound familiar to anyone who took an interest in irish stick fighting. Giant Oak trees dominate but you will encounter plenty more trees and plants on these walks.A subject of debate in the world of bataireacht has long been the appropriate name of the weapons we use. This ancient woodland will bring you back in time. Shorter walks are the Oak Walk, 3.2km, and the Hazel walk, only 1.3km.Īlmost equal distant between the villages of Shillelagh and Tinahely, Tomnafinoge Wood is a Special Area of Conservation. Most popular is the River Walk of 2km (4km both ways) and the Beech Walk. Tomnafinnoge Woods offer four different walks of varying distance. Giant Oak trees dominate but you will encounter plenty more trees and plants on these walks. Almost equal distant between the villages of Shillelagh and Tinahely, Tomnafinoge Wood is a Special Area of Conservation.
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