The open finals saw shearer Ivan Scott coming in first place setting a remarkable standard for the day, shearing 20 sheep in 15 minutes and eight seconds. This gives an average of 45 seconds per sheep.

Northern Ireland shearers Jack Robinson and Graham Davidson came in second and third place respectively in the open finals.

In the senior final, Joseph Stephens who is a local man from Corofin placed first. Jason McNeese from Northern Ireland was hot on his heels in second place with Russel Smyth, coming in third position, Vivienne Langrall in fourth and Karol Devanry in fifth.

Intermediate

The intermediate final saw Karol Devaney topping the ranking sweeping first position. Robert Douglas, Barry Devine and Joe Boylan followed in second, third and fourth position.

Shelly King, who is an Australian native, placed fifth in the intermediate final. Shelly is contract-shearing in the Wexford area with George Graham, a former world sheep-shearing champion and holder of numerous national sheep shearing titles.

Young shearers

There is no shortage of up and coming talent with young shearer Aaron McGee taking first place in the junior category.

Crowds upwards of 3,500 were in attendance of the festival with the Bimeda Sheep Show going down a great success with visitors.

Gearing up for Kiltoom

The Kepak All Ireland and All Nations Wool handling Championships 2017 will take place in St Brigid’s GAA Club, in Kiltoom, Co Roscommon, from Friday to Sunday, 2 to 4 June.

There will be 200 competitors taking part in 19 shearing competitions. Particular interest has been sparked in wool handling, leading to the addition of more classes in this year’s championships.

There will a strong lineup of activities across the weekend to keep visitors entertained including a number sheep breed displays, sheepdog trials and attractions for all ages.

Festivities will kick off on the Friday night with Nathan Carter, while Johnny Brady is playing in the marquee on Saturday night. A monster barbecue will be held on Sunday to please all tastes after the busy weekend of action.

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