Clonmany set for Irish National Sheep Dog Trials

The Irish National Sheep Dog Trials take place in Clonmany next week.

The annual event, sponsored by SSE Renewables, will see 150 talented sheepdogs and their handlers compete for a chance to represent Ireland at the International Sheep Dog Trials in Scotland this coming September.

The trials, organised by a voluntary Donegal Committee comprised of members of the International Sheep Dog Society, provide a unique opportunity for families and visitors to witness the incredible partnership between handler and dog, showcasing their abilities in a series of challenging tasks.

SSE Renewables is committed to maintaining and fostering strong community ties in Donegal, where it operates several renewable energy sites, including Meentycat Wind Farm, Culliagh Wind Farm, and Lenalea Wind Farm, which achieved full power and connected to Ireland's national grid in late 2023.

These wind farms have a combined capacity of 130MW, playing a critical role in helping Ireland achieve its 2030 renewable energy targets. SSE Renewables is also advancing the 72MW Drumnahough Wind Farm near Letterkenny in partnership with FuturEnergy Ireland.

James P McGee, Chair of the Donegal Committee, said: “The sponsorship and support from SSE Renewables enable us to deliver a memorable event that celebrates both the skill of the sheep dogs and the strong sense of community here in Donegal.

"As chairman, I would also like to extend a special thanks to Donegal County Council for their Development Fund Initiative support, as well as to all the businesses and people that generously sponsored our event in any way. We look forward to welcoming participants and spectators to Clonmany for a fantastic family-focused event.”

The trials will begin at 7:30am on the Saturday, August, 22nd, 7:30am on the 23 and 7am on the 24 of August respectively. Entrance costs are €10 for a day pass, €20 for a three-day pass while admittance for children is free. There will be a free bouncy castle for children and catering provided by Ballyliffin Golf Club.

The International Sheep Dog Society is a member organisation and registers over 6,000 Border Collie pups every year on behalf of its members. The Irish National Sheep Dog Trials is organised by a voluntary local Donegal committee under the umbrella of the International Sheep Dog Society, which is the governing body of the four nations: Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.

Each country holds a national trial every year comprising of the top 150 sheepdogs and their handlers in each country. The national trials allow for the selection of the top 15 from the 150 competitors. The top 15 from each country go head-to-head at the International Sheep Dog Trials help in September. Out of the 60 dogs competing in the International Sheep Dog Trials, 15 go through to the International Supreme Championship Final.