A nationwide appeal has gone out for Irish sheep farmers to supply 1,000 sheep for the world’s best shearers coming to Gorey for the ‘Sheep Olympics’ in May.
The organisers are expected to supply over 6,000 sheep for event which will attract representatives from over 30 countries.
They already have a promise of 5,000 sheep, but another 1,000 is required to ensure an adequate supply during four days of intense competition.
“We need 6,000 sheep, not all of them will be used, but they are needed to ensure that each class of competitors get almost identical sheep to shear,” said George Graham, Chairman of the Golden Shears Committee, who is himself a world class sheep shearer and has represented Ireland on seven occasions.
They require female sheep, 12 to 14 months old and breeds such as Texel, Suffolk and Cheviot.
Plans are at an advanced stage for the Golden Shears – World Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships including the All Ireland and All Nations Championships – coming to Gorey from May 17th to 25th inclusive.
Mr Graham, and members of the various committees organising nine days of activities, outlined their plans at a well-attended public meeting held in the Amber Springs Hotel last Wednesday night.
Full report in this week’s edition of THE GOREY ECHO.
