Large turnout expected as national sheepdog trials begin in Brideswell
Brideswell will be the scene of much activity this week when participants and spectators from throughout the country descend on the South Roscommon village for the Irish National Sheepdog Trials.
Hosted by the Irish Sheep Dog Society (ISDS), the trials are taking place today (Thursday), tomorrow, and Saturday, August 7-9, on lands owned by Lisbrock farmer Barra O’Brien.
The National Sheepdog Trials were previously hosted by Mr O'Brien in 2013, when thousands visited Brideswell for what he described as a memorable event.
"In 2013 there were close to 5,000 visitors to Brideswell for the Irish Sheepdog Trials, and hopefully we will have a similar figure on this occasion," Barra said.
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Cllr Tony Ward, Liam Callaghan, Cathoirleach Roscommon County Council and Lisa Joy, Tourism Office, at the National Sheep Dog Trials launch held in Hannon’s Hotel. PaulMolloy 2025Image 2 of 4
Kate, Barra O’Brien, chairman, Sinead O’Brien, treasurer, Mary O’Brien, and TD Michael Fitzmaurice at the launch of the National Sheep Dog Trials in Brideswell. PaulMolloy 2025Image 3 of 4
Jennifer Fitzpatrick, secretary, Barra O’ Brien, chairman, Andrew Grady, sheep steward, and Sinead O’Brien, treasurer, at the launch of the National Sheep Dog Trials which are taking place this week in Lisbrock, Brideswell. PaulMolloy 2025Image 4 of 4
Michael Finnegan, Sean Flynn, Tommy Ames and David Coffey at the National Sheep Dog Trials launch in Hannon’s Hotel last week. Photo Paul Molloy. PaulMolloy 2025With a daily start time of 8am, the trials will take place on 30 acres of land with competitors vying for a place on the Irish national team that will compete at the International Sheepdog Trials in Wales in September.
There will be 150 competitors in the single dog category (one man and one sheepdog), while nine participants will compete in the double dogs (one man and two dogs) section.
"A total of 17 competitors will be selected to advance to the International Sheepdog Trials, 15 in the single dog category and 2 from the double dogs section," Barra added.
Participants will also compete against the clock in the hope of achieving their goal so it is a trial of skill which Barra stated still "amazes" him to this day.
"I am 35 years involved with sheepdog trials and the relationship between a handler and his sheepdog continues to amaze me. The manner in which the sheepdog responds to his handler's whistle, listening to his instructions, shows the trusting relationship between both," Barra said.
While the sheepdog trials are the focal point of the schedule, Barra is looking forward to welcoming families to Lisbrock with numerous activities planned over the course of the three days.
"We will have a marquee set up with face painting and balloon making for the children on Saturday. There will also be a number of food stalls on site so there will be a great family atmosphere in Brideswell during the course of the event," he said.
As visitors descend on Brideswell for the trials, Barra said the event would also give a welcome "economic boost" to the region with hotels in Athlone and Roscommon among the businesses set to benefit.