The Kepak All Ireland and All Nations Sheep Shearing & Wool Handling Championships will take place in Kiltoom this June bank holiday weekend, with a packed programme of events.
The weekend-long championships will be hosted in conjunction with the Irish Sheep Shearers Association on the grounds of St Brigid’s GAA Club in Kiltoom, and offer a host of exciting events both on and off the field. Organisers are appealing for people to come forward to offer help in the run-up to the event.
The weekend promises to be a spectacle not to be missed with more than 200 competitors shearing 2,200 sheep across 19 different categories in two days of intense, international competition.
Large numbers of spectators are expected to flock to the venue and, in addition to the sheep shearing competitions, there will be a range of other attractions including nightly entertainment in a fully licensed bar, children’s activities, arts and crafts, artisan food, heritage features, sheep shows, sheep dog trials, trade stands, cookery demonstrations, and a food quarter.
A further highlight will be Friday night’s performance by Nathan Carter, who will be on stage in the main marquee, with dancing until late into the night.
Tom Dunne, Irish Sheep Shearers Association, took time to highlight that the festival will give people the opportunity to see Donegal man and world record holder Ivan Scott at work.
“He’s one of the many superstars who will be coming to Roscommon,” stated Mr Dunne, who described witnessing the performances of some of the shearers as “a spectacle”.
Praising the organising committee for this year’s event, he added: “This is the most enthusiastic committee we have worked with. Spread the word - there will be shearers from all over the world coming and it has a huge following. Open your eyes – we are going to put on some show.”
The championships take place from Friday, June 2, to Sunday, June 4. Tickets are €25 and people are encouraged to purchase early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased from any committee member.
To keep up to date with this event and all other events planned for the sheep shearing weekend or to buy tickets, log on to www.sheepshearingkiltoom.com or like the pages on Facebook: St Brigid’s GAA Club Kiltoom and All Ireland and All Nations Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships 2017.
