Dean McAuley has had a year to remember on the sheepdog trialing field.

Alongside his dog Joe, the pair were crowned Irish national champions and then went on to take third place at the international supreme final while representing Ireland.

Most recently at the World Sheepdog Trial in Scotland, Dean and Joe have added to the trophy cabinet once again, taking one of the most prestigious accolades in the trialing world; reserve world champion.

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Welshman David Howells was took the world champion spot with his dog Pip.

Placed twice

Remarkably, in a field of over 100 competitors from all over the world, Dean was also placed fifth with his other dog Jack (son of Joe).

“My dogs have done me extremely proud, consistently giving me more than I ever thought possible,” said Dean.

“Walking off the field after completing the (reserve world champion) run is a moment that will be with me forever.”

Ireland was well represented, with five dogs and handlers placed within the top 16 places of singles competition at the world trial. Alongside Dean, Tom O’Sullivan placed eighth with his dog North Hill Tess, James P McGee was ninth with Roeldog Becca and Con McGarry was 11th with Mirk.

There was yet more success for team Ireland at the world trial as fellow team member James McCloskey also had a standout tournament.

Having already been crowned Irish national champion in the brace competition with his dogs Dollar and Oak Bruce, this weekend he and his dogs added to his silverware, taking home the reserve spot in the first ever world brace competition, narrowly pipped to the post by Kevin Evans from Wales who stood world champion.