It is unknown exactly when Barróg arose – or arrived – in Ireland, but there are carved depictions of figures in recognisable backhold clinches dating as far back as the 9th century AD.

[4][5] The characteristic backhold grip is mentioned in two separate 15th-century accounts of battlefield wrestling - one in the Cath Finntrágha[6] and another in the Táin Bó Flidhais.

[9] Such matches were a common form of entertainment in more recreational settings as well, as evidenced by Irish genealogist Edward MacLysaght's description of competitors at a 17th-century country fair wrestling in what he called a “hug” position.

Given the extent to which the other backhold styles of Europe resemble each other, it is probable that Barróg contests utilised a similar framework.

This is supported by an account of backhold wrestling from County Sligo that appears in the Irish Folklore Commission's Schools' Collection.