September 17, 2007: The International Sheepdog Trial, Ireland.
I profess to knowing little about Ireland - except Irish thoroughbreds, Guinness beer, Baileys Irish Cream, potatoes, rugby, and a couple of my most favourite people in the whole wide world live there. I should know more since my descendants, the O'Driscolls, hail from County Cork and were among the first Clans of Ireland. When I discovered the International was to be held in Ireland, and on my 21st birthday (another one), the path to Ireland was set.

With camera in hand and car loaded up with camping equipment, I gleefully set off for Ireland. The trip to Kilkenny, site of the 2007 International, involves a 2-hour drive to the ferry, a 2-hour ferry crossing in quite a luxurious ferry, and finally a 5-hour drive (3 hours if you don't get lost!) through Northern Ireland and then into Ireland. The countryside is every bit as beautiful as the tourist brochures protray. It felt like home seeing horses in pristine fields, and as I drove past I thought of my New Zealand grandfather - a thoroughbred enthusiast who long ago owned and trained racehorses. He would have liked Ireland and although he is no longer alive, he was in my heart and mind as I meandered along my way.

Twelve hours after I bid adieu to my dogs, I arrived at the Farmley Estate in Cuffesgrange, County Kilkenny - site of the International. And what a magnificent site it was. The trial field was a natural amphitheatre; the backdrop of which was The Round Tower, a part of Burnchurch Castle, originally built to protect the City of Kilkenny (I wondered if this was to protect the City from any marauding O'Driscolls). It was very exciting to be able to walk the trial course with no-one around, and imagine how the competitors would feel the next day. Time to pitch the tent, roll out the sleeping bag, and polish the camera lens.

The event started on the dot of 8am the next day - with German precision and Irish hospitality. It was good to meet up with friends and share a few hugs and laughs before the fun started. And oh what fun! The qualifying round was thrilling - riveting at times, and heart-breaking at others as some runs did not go to plan for the handler. It was excruciatingly painful to see Jim Cropper's face as his Dan gripped in the shedding ring to end his campaign for the Supreme title. Jim is one of my favourites as he is a masterful handler and a true pleasure to watch at weekend trials. My heart sank for him. As a wee aside, about a week before the International, I had a dream that had Jim's Dan attacking me at the International and as he sank his teeth into me, Jim was frantically calling "That'll do" - at which point I awoke. Imagine my amusement as I found myself in the queue at the Cappacino bar one day, one spot behind Jim and Dan! When I smiled at Jim he politely said "Y'alright" - a northern England greeting that usually requires no response. "Yes, thank you" I said, breathing a sigh of relief as Dan walked away without a second glimpse at me. Neither Jim nor Dan could have known why I was smiling.

As in any competition, there are always disappointments. Joseph Relph, a giant of a man with a heart of gold, and first time member of the English team, saw his bitch, Eevee run big on her outrun and she took a while to find her sheep. As he waited patiently, I wondered how I would feel if I was in his shoes. David Harrison, another first time member of the English team had a good run with his dog, Ben, and finished with 4 seconds to spare. How proud I felt for them both as they and their dogs did their best on the day. I hope they have another day ahead of them and a different story to tell.

The Welsh had some terrific runs in the qualifying rounds. When Kelvin went to a trial in Wales (see an earlier Blog about this), he said the Welsh would be hard to beat at the International because the handlers are strong, and the talent pool is deep and young. He predicted a "Jones" would win! But would it be G.L., G.L. (yes, there were two G.L. Jones' in the Welsh team), G.B, A.L., I. B., or M. Jones? No, it would be what seemed like the only person not called Jones...Aled Owen!

It was a tight race for the overall title. Aled Owen and Richard Millichap were too close to call - well, I couldn't call it, but then again, I am a novice so what would I know? Andy Carnegie was having a fantastic run as well until the shedding ring when his talented bitch, Lark, gripped and Andy's day was done. What a shame. Andy is a tremendous handler and a darned nice guy, although don't tell anyone but his wife is nicer (and a heck of a good cook!). He was the one I hoped would steal it from them all, but it was not to be. Perhaps next time. It was exciting to have to wait till the end to hear the scores of all the Supreme finalists.

To the credit of the organizers, the sheep appeared to be good and were amazingly uniform. There was only one rerun throughout the qualifying round, although Paul Turnbull (English team) drew a particularly tough ewe and selflessly signalled to the judges that he was to stop. His dog, Mirk, was starting to show signs of distress as he valiantly tried to cover the sheep as one difficult ewe broke constantly. Paul deserved a medal, in my books.

The event was superbly organized. The sheep crew did a marvellous job. The only hiccup was a horrible squal at lunchtime on the final day that saw high winds and lashing rain demolish numerous tents, upturn chairs, and threaten to dislodge the grandstand. Despite this, the young handlers braved the elements and valiantly completed their runs, although with not as many spectators as might have been appropriate.

For me, I'll be in Wales next year for sure. And while I'd like to write more, waking up at 3.30am this morning in time to make the long journey home, I am dog tired! We'll try to get more photos of the event on the web over the next week. Sorry for the delay. We're all off on holiday until the 22nd.




Archives:
September 12, 2007: Foot and Mouth Again
September 4, 2007: Blackies go to the Beauty Salon
August 25, 2007: Sheep Spa and Nationals
August 14, 2007: Roy goes Gathering for the First Time
August 7, 2007 Foot and Mouth Scare
August 3, 2007 Country bumpkins go to London
July 28, 2007 Whales and Wales
July 21, 2007 Blood sampling ewes.
July 16, 2007 A week of gathering sheep