{"id":1317076,"date":"2024-05-28T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T13:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriland.ie\/?p=1317076"},"modified":"2024-05-28T13:42:29","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T12:42:29","slug":"crowds-expected-to-flock-to-olympics-of-sheep-shearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsail.agriland.ie\/farming-news\/crowds-expected-to-flock-to-olympics-of-sheep-shearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Crowds expected to flock to ‘Olympics of sheep shearing’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Competitors from across the globe will descend on Co. Galway this weekend for the All-Ireland and All Nationals Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organisers of “Kepak Shearfest” at Mountbellew Mart<\/a> have billed the two-day event, starting on Saturday (June 1), as “the Olympics of sheep shearing”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will be 13 different titles on offer for the competitors from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The categories in the championships include, novice; woolhandling; junior; intermediate; blade; senior; Ireland versus Northern Ireland; and best family shearing and woolhandling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crowds attending the event will be able to see masterful shearers swiftly maneuvering through fleece, along with meticulous woolhandlers deftly sorting and preparing wool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheep shearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Outside of the competitions, attendees can enjoy music, raffles, cookery demonstrations, pedigree and rare breeds shows, crafts, and shopping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme also includes entertainment for children, fashion and beauty shows, food trucks, sheepdog trials, and the Irish wool experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fun is set to continue into the evening with two nights of live music concerts at \u201cMartbeat”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performers on the lineup include Mike Denver, George Murphy and the Rising Sons, Michael English, and Cliona Hagan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brian McHale, the event organiser from Mountbellew Mart said that the event will offer a chance to showcase the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The event will promote the west of Ireland and Irish wool to a worldwide audience,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event partners include The Irish Sheep Shearers Association, Mountbellew Agricultural College, and Mountbellew Vintage Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Mannion from Kepak Athleague said that the processor is very proud to support the event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company has been operating from its Athleague site for over 37 years, employing over 300 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We are delighted to be involved in an event that the entire local community has rallied behind, and we hope you and your families have a great day,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n