Kildare's Caolan Byrne set to represent Ireland at World Sheepdog Trials

Caolan Byrne from County Kildare, is set to represent Ireland at the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials, which is taking place from September 13 to 16 at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, County Down.

Coming to Northern Ireland for the very first time, the global event has been organised by the International Sheepdog Society and 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.

Caolan, from Kilcullen, will join his fellow competitors all vying to be named as ‘top dog’ with a World Champion announced at the end of the four-day event, which is sponsored by Randox Health, ABP Food Group and Gilbertson & Page Ltd.

John McCullough, Chairman of the World Trial Committee said: “We’re delighted to have Caolan representing Ireland at this year’s trials. Caolan’s extensive experience and dedication will be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to the wider team and we’re looking forward to seeing him put on the great performance we know he’s more than capable of producing.

John adds: "The arrival of the World Sheepdog Trials in Northern Ireland is a momentous occasion. We are truly honoured to showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of sheepdogs and their handlers on the global stage. With competitors hailing from diverse countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Finland, this event truly exemplifies the universal appeal of sheepdog trials. 

“We’ll have some of the world’s best sheepdogs and their handlers descending into Ireland in September and it is sure to be a spectacle not to be missed!”

Isabel Branch, CEO of the International Sheepdog Society, comments: “"We are thrilled to announce that the World Sheep Dog Trials are making history in Northern Ireland, as we proudly host this prestigious event for the very first time. The World Sheepdog Trials are very much the Olympics of the sheepdog world, so we are expecting extremely tough competition in each of the classes. This is a fantastic opportunity to observe the best of the best, and we can’t wait to welcome enthusiasts and spectators, from across Ireland and further afield, to join us in this momentous occasion.”

For more information on the four-day event, visit: www.worldsheepdogtrials.org.