A Donegal-based sportsman has pulled off a major coup after becoming the highest ever Irish finisher in the International Dogsledding Championships in Canada.
Com Burns, who is originally from Mayo but has lived in Letterkenny for many years, actually came sixth overall in the race.
And considering the 40 yea old electrician only took up the sport four years ago, many are tipping him for greater things in the unusual event.
Colm did Ireland and Donegal proud when he arrived home sixth in the ‘six dog pure breed’ race in Quebec at the weekend.
The result has delighted sporting colleagues who are hoping his placing will help Ireland secure a top international ‘dry land’ event.
Irish dog sledding federation secretary Mandy Hines said Burns’ achievement was “just superb.”
“It was an incredible result for Colm and for our sport here in Ireland.
“It’s the highest placed Irish competitor we’ve ever had and he was up against top countries like the USA and Canada.
“Thanks to Coillte we have the best trails in Europe right here in Ireland for the non-snow dry land version of the sport and this will help us secure top international events which will be a massive boost for tourism.”
Colm said “I only took up the sport properly four years ago so to be representing my country in one of the biggest event of its kind was special.
“I suppose my fascination with the sport began when I was very young because I loved husky dogs.
“I eventually got one and then another and all these years later I have six of them.”
He said he couldn’t believe it when he heard you could race the dogs here in Ireland and decided to take up the sport four years ago.
“We have modified sleds for all weather conditions and I do my training in forest parks,” he said.
Due to quarantine laws, Colm had to hire six local huskies for the Daaquam 2012 Les Internationaux de traîneau à chiens du Canada (Canada International Championship of Dogsledding).
He competed over two ten-mile races in temperatures of -11c on Saturday and Sunday to secure sixth spot against more than 20 other teams.
Ireland’s increasing presence in the sport was recognised by the fact the Canadian organisers picked Kilkenny man Fintan Morrisey as head marshall for the weekend races.
“It was a great weekend for our sport,” said Mandy Hines.
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