Two Mayo men to represent Ireland at World Sheepdog Trials

MARTIN O’Malley and Michael Glynn from Mayo are set to represent Ireland at the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials, taking place from September 13 to 16 at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, Co. Down.

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.

Martin, from Keel, and Michael, from Claremorris, 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, which is sponsored by Randox Health, ABP Food Group and Gilbertson & Page Ltd.

John McCullough, chairman of the World Trial Committee, said: “We’re delighted to have Michael and Martin representing Ireland at this year’s trials. Their extensive experience and dedication 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.”

Isabel Branch, CEO of the International Sheepdog Society, commented: "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.”

For more information on the four-day event or to purchase tickets, visit www.worldsheepdogtrials.org.