International Sheep Dog Trials
As many as 25,000 visitors from far and near flocked to Kilbegnet on the weekend of the 12th-14th September, for a one-off event that showcased the mastery between man and dog. The top sheep dog handlers from across Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales competed in an event that some might describe as the Olympics of sheep dog trials. The glorious sunshine played its part in attracting the crowds over the three-day event, which was hosted on the farm of John and Brian Hanley. We were so lucky in school that one of our students, Jack Hanley, John's son, had an inside view of the preparations and proceedings. Many of our students went to the trials throughout the weekend and our Second Years, went to the trials on Friday with Mr. O' Leary. It has been eight years since Ireland had hosted the International Sheep Dog Trials and this was the first time for the international event to come west of the Shannon. It was a huge honour for the Hanleys and all in the wider Kilbegnet area.