Ireland’s ‘battle of the sheepdogs’ is under way in Kilkenny with over 150 border collies competing for a place on the Irish national team.
The national sheepdog trials take place in Johnstown, Kilkenny from 13-15th August.
They were launched yesterday by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, Tom Hayes, TD.
Mr Hayes said: “One hundred and fifty dogs will be tested on a specially designed course over the three day event for a chance to represent Ireland in the International trials. The traditional skills of sheepdog handling are as relevant to modern farming as they were 100 years ago. A good working dog is an essential component of a modern, well run sheep farm.”
The trials in Kilkenny take place over three days. The top five scoring dogs from each day will take their place in the Irish national team.
The three highest scoring dogs from each day then take place in a ‘run-off’ in order to find the Irish national champion. The champion will also become the national team captain.
The Irish team will then go on to the annual international Trials which will take place in Scotland.
Click here for more about the Irish National Sheepdog Trials
Check out this video from Bryan O’Brien.
