Are you aware that the "Shillelagh" isn't what it appears to be ?
Is Your Shillelagh a Sham?
by Bridget Haggerty
In his very informative book, Things Irish, Anthony Bluett writes that according to a leading folklore authority, the short, stubby blackthorn cudgel sold to tourists as the "ancient Irish shillelagh" has no tradition in Ireland at all.
What I have mistakenly called a shillelagh all these years was once a very popular weapon in 19th-century London. Very handy to have - but not something the Irish would have used at that time, or earlier. Their weapon of choice would have been a cane made from oak, blackthorn, ash or holly.
Information from the "Irish culture & Customs" web site
sitehttp://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/AEmblem/Shillelagh.html