Equipment requirements
Féile na nGaiscíoch 2026
General Safety Principles
Minimum standard, not maximum: Fencers may use more protective gear than required.
Condition: All equipment must be clean, free of structural damage, and fit the wearer properly.
Inspection: Gear will be checked at registration and may be re‑inspected at any time. Tournament officials may disallow any item they consider unsafe.
Compliance: Failure to meet mandatory requirements will result in exclusion from the tournament.
Longsword Tournaments & Teams Mixed Weapons – Full Protective Kit Required
Head: FIE‑rated 350N fencing mask plus 360° back‑of‑head protection
Throat: Gorget
Torso: 350 N‑rated padded fencing jacket (heavyweight recommended) with long sleeves to wrist
Hands: Heavy HEMA longsword gauntlets (lobster or suitable articulated types)
Arms: Hard‑shell forearm and elbow guards
Legs: 350 N fencing breeches or reinforced trousers and hard knee and rigid shin guards. A padded skirt can be accepted if of sufficient length.
Groin: CE‑marked groin protector (cup) for fencers with external genitalia; optional otherwise
Chest: Chest protector (plastron) for fencers with breasts; optional otherwise
Footwear: Closed‑toe athletic shoes or fencing boots
Sword: Length: 84–107 cm blade; overall ≤150 cm, Weight: 1.1–1.8 kg, up to 15 kg flex, no D-rings
Arming Sword & Buckler Division – Medium Kit Permitted
Head: FIE‑rated 350 N fencing mask plus 360° back‑of‑head protection
Throat: Gorget covering larynx
Torso: 350 N‑rated padded fencing jacket with long sleeves to wrist
Hands: At least Red Dragon® synthetic HEMA gloves or equivalent; heavier gauntlets allowed
Arms: Hard‑shell forearm and elbow guards
Legs: Rigid shin guards and knee protection. Fencing breeches (or skirt) not mandatory if shins + knees are fully protected
Groin: CE‑marked groin protector (cup) for fencers with external genitalia; optional otherwise
Chest: Chest protector (plastron) for fencers with breasts; optional otherwise)
Footwear: Closed‑toe athletic shoes or fencing boots
Sword: Purpose-build steel Arming Sword (no Sideswords, no sharps, no synthetics). Total length ≤ 97 cm, weight 0.8–1.3 kg, under 15 kg flex. Folded or spatulated tip, other tips can be allowed if judged safe at gear check. Weapons must be burr-free to prevent snagging on fabric.
Buckler: ≤ 40 cm diameter (16 in), edge must be rolled or leather‑bound, no sharp corners. It should be made from steel, wood, or hardened leather (no nylon). No spikes, blade‑catchers or acute angles. Must be a hand‑gripped shield, no strapping to the arm.