Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes, TD, today launched the Irish National Sheepdog Trials to be held on the farm of Ken Whiteford in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny from 13^th to 15^th August.

 Commenting at the launch the Minister said ‘This is a major event in the sheep calendar and something for all sheep farmers across the country to look forward to. Sheepdog trials are a popular sport and a superb spectator event. The trials are an opportunity for the best dogs and their handlers to showcase their skills on a national stage.’

 The Minister noted “with exports of over €220m, the sheep sector it is an important economic activity on farms across the country and in the western counties in particular’.

 The Minister added ‘My Department has provided substantial support to the sheep sector through funding of Sheep Ireland, Bord Bia, Teagasc and a number of schemes that have allowed sheep farmers make critical investments in both their farms and flocks’

 Minister Hayes commended the Chairman, Simon Moss, and the Organising Committee for their work in hosting the event. The Minister 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 one hundred years ago. A good working dog is an essential component of a modern well run sheep farm.’

 The Minister concluded by acknowledging that the staging of the show was a major community effort and wished the Organising Committee, exhibitors, sponsors and all the visitors an enjoyable day.

View Press Release as a PDF:DAFMPR 97/15 (pdf 365Kb) 

Date Released: 28 May 2015