World Sheepdog Trials 2023 Dromore: Countdown to final after visit from patron Princess Anne 'adds cherry on the top'

Tomorrow marks the final day of the International Sheepdog Trials in Dromore Co Down - which was pleased to welcome a visit from its patron this week, Princess Anne.
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By Philip Bradfield
Published 15th Sep 2023, 16:57 BST
Updated 15th Sep 2023, 17:25 BST

Competitors from over 30 countries have descended on the 500-acre Gill Hall Estate for the four day competition.

This is first time it has come to Northern Ireland, with the finals taking place tomorrow, Saturday.

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John McCullough, Chairman of the World Trial Committee, told the News Letter that it was a special honour for the competition to have Princess Anne visit on Wednesday.

John McCullough, chairman of the local organising committee with Princess Anne at the World Sheepdog Trials 2023 at Dromore Co Down. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press EyeJohn McCullough, chairman of the local organising committee with Princess Anne at the World Sheepdog Trials 2023 at Dromore Co Down. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye
John McCullough, chairman of the local organising committee with Princess Anne at the World Sheepdog Trials 2023 at Dromore Co Down. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye

"It was absolutely wonderful, as she is the patron of the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) and is a regular attender of our events. It's just the cherry on top for us."

She spent two hours at the competition, he said, having also attended an international investment conference in Belfast.

"She met all our officials and local dignitaries and the volunteers that made the event possible. Then he visited the marquee to meet our local producers of artisan speciality foods. Then she went off to watch the trials themselves."

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He noted that it is her second visit to the estate as she also attended their Four Nations sheep dog trials at the venue in 2018.

Anna Sofia from The Faroe Island and her sheepdog Lynn have taken part in the the World Sheepdog Trials in Dromore, Co Down.Anna Sofia from The Faroe Island and her sheepdog Lynn have taken part in the the World Sheepdog Trials in Dromore, Co Down.
Anna Sofia from The Faroe Island and her sheepdog Lynn have taken part in the the World Sheepdog Trials in Dromore, Co Down.

Out of 140 dogs, 42 made it through to the semi-finals on Friday and the last 16 will go through to the finals tomorrow, starting at 7:30am.

Prizes will be given for the top three places in both the adult and youth categories.

So far, Team Ireland secured the top prize in the team event, amid tough competition from over 20 other teams hailing from the US, Brazil, South Africa and Norway.

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There has been a healthy daily attendance with 5-10,000 expected to visit on Saturday, he said.

Caolan Burns with his dog Queen at the World Sheep Dog Trials 2023 at Gill Hall Estate in Dromore, Co Down. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press EyeCaolan Burns with his dog Queen at the World Sheep Dog Trials 2023 at Gill Hall Estate in Dromore, Co Down. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye
Caolan Burns with his dog Queen at the World Sheep Dog Trials 2023 at Gill Hall Estate in Dromore, Co Down. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

One of the competitors has been Anna Sofia and her collie Lynn, who travelled from the Faroe Islands, several hundred miles north of Scotland.

She was particularly impressed with the gentle rolling green County Down landscape.

"I think these fields are fantastic - beautiful," she said. "Back at home we have just cliffs and mountains."

For her the event is primarily about participation. "I am not expecting anything - I was just hoping to get my dog around the sheep."

See: www.worldsheepdogtrials.org

Related topics:Princess AnneNews LetterNorthern Ireland