The event, taking place over the next four days in Gorey, Co Wexford, will witness over 300 shearers from 27 countries competing in all competitions.

In his opening address, Minister Coveney said the event will put agriculture in Ireland under a national and global spotlight. He welcomed overseas visitors asking them to take advantage of all the hospitalities Ireland has to offer. As well as raising the profile of Irish agriculture, Minister Coveney said the shearing is going to offer all visitors and spectators excellent entertainment. “It is a great event, a global event and it is the first time an Irish team will be looking to win. It is going to have a lot to do with fun over the next three days. Our International guests are more than welcome and we hope that you all enjoy what Ireland has to offer”.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Minister Coveney said his department were working hard for a resolution to the Grassland sheep scheme and the 80% collective agreement rule for farmers with commonage.

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On the priority entry criteria for GLAS, Minister Coveney said farmers with commonages should not be worried about the priority criteria set. “Farmers with commonages should not be worried about getting into GLAS, everybody that wants will get in. The 80% priority is not an entry requirement – farmers who work together and achieve 50% or greater buy in will get in. We had to set a minimum for the scheme to be credible, if we set it anywhere below 50% the commission would simply not look favourably on it. We also had to set selection criteria when tiering the scheme and this is where the 80% rule comes in. It is the highest entry requirement but I will say again, it is not an entry requirement”.

On the Grassland Sheep Scheme, the Minister said it was unlikely that there would be any change in decoupling the payment but said his Department were open to and still investigating a number of options.

Event highlights:

  • Four days of shearing
  • Over 300 competitors
  • 27 countries competing
  • Over 6,000 sheep shorn
  • And much more including food villages, technical sheep discussions, sheep dog trials, trade exhibits, young shepherds competitions and children’s activities.