Ballybofey man and grandson to compete at World Sheepdog Trials

A Ballybofey man and his grandson will represent Ireland at the forthcoming World Sheepdog Trials.

Sammy Long, from Carrickmagrath in Ballybofey, and his grandson Sam Fagan - who will be the youngest competitor in the Senior Cup at 16 - will take part in the trials on the Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, County Down from September 13-16.

They are two of the seven people from Donegal who will be a part of Team Ireland.

“I have been taking part in sheepdog trials for a number of years but there’s something special about representing Team Ireland, on home soil, and having my grandson by my side just makes me feel so proud,” Sammy said.

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“Many hours of training have gone into preparing for the World Sheepdog Trials and we know that we will be up against some tough competition, but I’m 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.”

Sammy has won the Irish National title while his brother Tommy Long was the first Donegal man to win the Irish National Sheepdog Trials.

Joining Sammy and Sam are Allistair Lyttle, James McCloskey, Bernard Hegarty, James McGee and James McLaughlin.

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.

John McCullough, Chairman of the World Trial Committee said: “We’re delighted to have our 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 and we’re looking forward to seeing them put on the great performance we know they’re more than capable of producing.”

The World Sheepdog Trials will take place at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, Northern Ireland, from Wednesday 13th – Saturday 16th September. For more information on the four-day event or to purchase tickets, visit: www.worldsheepdogtrials.org.