By Dionne Meehan
A GRANDFATHER and grandson duo from Ballybofey will be representing Ireland at the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials in County Down next month.
Sammy Long and his grandson Sam Fagan, who is the youngest competitor in the Senior Cup Competition, said they are “honoured and immensely proud” to be representing Team Ireland this year.
Taking part in sheepdog trials for a number of years now, Sammy said there is something special about representing Team Ireland on home soil while having his grandson by his side.
“It just makes me feel so proud.
“Many hours of training have gone into preparing for the World Sheepdog Trials and we know that we will be against some tough competition,” he said.
Despite that, Sammy said he is confident that Team Ireland will be able to put on a stellar performance.
“We have some very experienced partnerships on our team this year, which will certainly stand us in good stead,” he said.
In total seven people from Donegal are set to compete at the four-day event.
Joining the pair are Allistair Lyttle, James McCloskey, Bernard Hegarty, James McGee and James McLaughlin.
With a World Champion announced at the end of the event, competitors will be vying to be named ‘top dog’.
Coming to Northern Ireland for the first time, the global event is expected to welcome over 30,000 spectators alongside 240 sheepdogs and their handlers from all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Finland.
John McCullagh, Chairman of the World Trial Committee said they are delighted to have Donegal competitors representing Ireland at this year’s trials.
“Each competitor has extensive experience and dedication which will be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to other competitors.
“We are looking forward to seeing them put on the great performance we know they’re more than capable of producing,” he said.
The World Sheepdog Trials will take place at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, Northern Ireland, from Wednesday, September 13 to Saturday 16.
For more information on the four-day event or to purchase tickets visit www.worldsheepdogtrials.org.
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