The event takes place on Saturday 24 May as part of the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships, which runs from 17 May to 25 May in Gorey, Co Wexford.

The top three competitors will share a prize fund financed by the event’s sponsors, Irish Country Meats and FBD. The top two will also be awarded the honour of representing Ireland in the European final of Young Shepherds in France in September 2014.

Competitors will be judged in four disciplines. These include husbandry skills such as handling and controlling, drafting, dosing, condition scoring; technical knowledge and breed identification; selecting lambs for slaughter; and use of a quad bike and trailer.

Applicants must be aged between 19 and 23 years at time of competition and currently undertaking or have completed an agricultural related course. Application forms and further information can be obtained from www.goldenshears.com or from event co-ordinator Elizabeth Earle by emailing Elizabeth.Earle@teagasc.ie. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 25 April.