National sheepdog trials for Bunclody

BUNCLODY RECEIVED a major boost this week after it was confirmed that the town will host the 2017 National Sheepdog Trials. The three day event will take place from August 3 to August 5 and will see over 5,000 people in attendance at the Hall-Dare estate at Bridge Meadow - less than 200 yards from the Main Street.

Bunclody previously hosted the event in 2005 and it proved a great financial injection for the local economy. Already at this early stage, hotels and guest houses within a ten mile radius of Bunclody are completely booked out and those attending are already looking for accommodation as far away as Carlow and Wexford town.

Details of this years Trials will officially be announced by Minister of State Paul Kehoe at a reception on the farm of Mr William Seale, Ballyshonnock, Clonegal on Thursday, July 20 after which guests will be treated to a demonstration of some top sheepdogs being put through their paces.

The event will attract upwards of 150 competitors with a view to selecting an Irish team for the upcoming Home International Trials taking place in Cornwall, England, in September - a competition in which Ireland enjoys a great record.

Among the competitors will be former Supreme Champions and Wexford men Frank Cashin from Screen who won the title in 1997 and Toddy Lambe from Curracloe who won in 2005. Both Wexford men are fancied to make the Irish team of 15 dogs and handlers.

As many as 850 sheep will be provided for the event by local breeders Roy Collier from Camolin and Mogue Mahon from Bunclody. The event is being supported by Wexford and Carlow County Councils and they are due to host talks with gardaí to put in place a proper traffic management plan etc to minimise disruption.

To secure this prestigious event will be considered a coup for Bunclody and locals will look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors in August.