[Rad]

Hi John! And welcome! I envy your access to "Blacktorn" -- there are several things you can do, like immersing the sticks in a wood stabalizer, and there are several different methods and materials for doing that (several of which are discussed WSF). Another is to coat the cut ends with wax or anchor seal to slow down the drying which helps to prevent splitting. They need to dry for 1 year for each inch in diameter.

I'm sure the others will chime in with all the good ways!

Can you tell us generally where in Ireland? My family tree has deep roots in Ireland.