Provokes (7)
'provokes' is the definition.
(needling is a kind of provoking)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for needles that I've seen before include "Pointers - goads" , "required by dressmakers?" , "Feature of Christmas trees" , "Winds up" , "Annoys the pointed implements?" .)
(Other definitions for enrages that I've seen before include "Angers" , "Makes furious" , "Works up" , "Infuriates" , "As green changes it makes one angry" .)
(Other definitions for irks that I've seen before include "Galls" , "'Irritate, annoy (4)'" , "Annoys, vexes" , "Annoys, irritates" .)