cock fighting

cock fighting was probably introduced to Ireland by British settlers, though domestic origins are also possible. Whatever the practice's precise roots, by the 17th century cocks were being bred and trained for fighting, and metal spurs began to be fitted to birds. Despite suppression during Cromwell's rule, cock fighting remained a popular urban and rural spectacle, and a focus for gambling, throughout the 18th century. A hey‐day was reached around 1750, by which time permanent cockpits had been constructed in many towns and teams of cocks were organized to represent Irish counties. From the end of the century, however, attitudes amongst some of the elite moved against blood sports and cock fighting was made illegal in 1837. Despite this prohibition, cock fighting is still practised illegally in isolated areas, notably along the Irish border. The complexity of the law ensures that successful prosecutions are few.

Neal Garnham