Seven people from Donegal, including a grandfather and grandson duo from Ballybofey, are set to represent Ireland at the World Sheepdog Trials in September.
Hailing from Ballybofey, Sammy Long and his grandson, Sam Fagan, who is also the youngest competitor in the Senior Cup Competition, say that they are “honoured and immensely proud,” to be representing Team Ireland alongside each other this year.
The prestigious World Sheepdog Trials take place from 13th – 16th September at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, County Down.
“I have been taking part in sheepdog trials for a number of years but there’s something special about representing Team Ireland, on home soil, and having my grandson by my side just makes me feel so proud,” Sammy explained.
“Many hours of training have gone into preparing for the World Sheepdog Trials and we know that we will be up against some tough competition, but I’m confident that Team Ireland will be able to put on a stellar performance. We have some very experienced partnerships on our team this year, which will certainly stand us in good stead.”
Joining Sammy and Sam are Allistair Lyttle, James McCloskey, Bernard Hegarty, James McGee and James McLaughlin, who will join their fellow competitors all vying to be named as ‘top dog’ with a World Champion announced at the end of the four-day event.
Coming to Northern Ireland for the very first time, the global event has been organised by the International Sheepdog Society and is expected to welcome over 30,000 spectators alongside 240 sheepdogs and their handlers from all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Finland.
John McCullough, Chairman of the World Trial Committee said: “We’re delighted to have our Donegal competitors representing Ireland at this year’s trials. Each competitor has extensive experience and dedication which will be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to other competitors and we’re looking forward to seeing them put on the great performance we know they’re more than capable of producing.
John adds: “The arrival of the World Sheepdog Trials in Northern Ireland is a momentous occasion. We are truly honoured to showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of sheepdogs and their handlers on the global stage. With competitors hailing from diverse countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Finland, this event truly exemplifies the universal appeal of sheepdog trials.
“We’ll have some of the world’s best sheepdogs and their handlers descending into Ireland in September and it is sure to be a spectacle not to be missed!”
Isabel Branch, CEO of the International Sheepdog Society, comments: “We are thrilled to announce that the World Sheep Dog Trials are making history in Northern Ireland, as we proudly host this prestigious event for the very first time. The World Sheepdog Trials are very much the Olympics of the sheepdog world, so we are expecting extremely tough competition in each of the classes. This is a fantastic opportunity to observe the best of the best, and we can’t wait to welcome enthusiasts and spectators, from across Ireland and further afield, to join us in this momentous occasion.”
The World Sheepdog Trials will take place at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, Northern Ireland, from Wednesday 13th – Saturday 16th September. For more information on the four-day event or to purchase tickets, visit: www.worldsheepdogtrials.org.
