[xoxoxoBruce]

Players, wearing the traditional white smocks of shepherds, grasp each other by the shoulders and attempt to land well-timed blows to their opponent's shins. Only then - in mid-kick - can a player attempt to bring his opposite number to the ground. A stickler, the ancient name for a judge or umpire, is on hand to make sure a shin is hit before a fall can be scored.
Competitors must kick their way through early qualifying rounds, and swing their legs in a three-stage final to be crowned the shin kicking champion.
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"It was vicious in those days, there was a lot of inter-village rivalry and lads used to harden their shins with hammers and were allowed to wear iron-capped boots.
"We won't permit that. People stuff their trousers with straw and must wear soft shoes.
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Last year, 20 people turned up to compete for the crown. It was won by local publican Joe McDonagh, 41.
"It's a bit crazy," he said, as he prepared to defend his title with a cheese sandwich and can of cider. "You need a few beers inside you to do it - you need a bit of anaesthetic."

BBC News