Co Mayo will be letting the dogs out as they host the annual Irish National Sheepdog Trials for the first time on Achill Island from 19 to 21 July.

The event will feature 150 of Ireland’s best-ranked dogs competing over three days for the title of Top Dog and to qualify for the international trials. Some dogs will even be coming from the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland to take part.

“I would like to thank the local committee for their hard work in preparing for these trials and wish all attending the very best of luck,” says Irish president for the International Sheepdog Society John McCullough.

Top dogs

Fifty handlers and their dogs will battle it out on each day of the trials, with the five highest-scoring competitors on each day to be placed on the Irish team. The top 15 dogs will thrash it out on the final day to find the overall Irish champion and the Ireland team champion.

These winners will then go forward to compete in the International Sheepdog Trials against England, Scotland and Wales, which will take place from 6-8 September this year in Dromore, Co Down.

Martin O’Malley, a farmer from Achill, is chair of the local committee organising the trials. Martin is a competitor himself and has been on the team for years.

“My favourite part of the show is competing against other Irish people and sometimes even getting into the top 15. It is a massive achievement and something that makes me very proud,” he said.

There will be a brace competition at lunchtime each day, in which three handlers will work two dogs each at the one time. The overall brace winner over the three days will be crowned Irish brace champion and run in the international trials.

A family event

Children will be kept busy with a bouncy castle, teacup ride and candyfloss stand. Live music will be performed in the main marquee by The Achill Lads, a traditional music duo from the area, who are currently touring the USA.

Catering will be provided by Achill takeaway the Islander, and local bar the Annexe Inn will have traditional music each night from 8pm. The Rustic Apron, a local mobile café, will also be on site at the event.

The trials move province every year, with last year’s trials taking place in Bunclody, Co Wexford. Any location put forward is examined by the president and vice-president of the organisation. Martin said they were “gobsmacked” when they saw the amount of space on the tiny island. The trials will be held on the grounds of the Achill Island Golf Club.

Martin estimates that 1,000 to 1,500 people will attend the trials each day to watch the sheepdogs fight for their place on the Irish team. Entry costs €10 per day and children under 16 get in for free. CL