The search is on to try and find Connacht’s cutest farming duo at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Sunday, May 22^nd. The organisers of this year’s shearing event want to make this event a full family day out and those eligible to enter will be drawn from National School age and will reside in Connacht. Entries in (costume) will be taken on the day.

The sheep shearing itself has attracted a lot of interest this year with entries already received from overseas shearers. Ivan Scott (World Record Holder) will lock horns with Dion Smyth from New Zealand. Dion set a new world record this year already when he and his brother shore 1066 sheep in an eight hour working day last January in New Zealand.

There will also be great interest to see how local hand shearer Peter Hearty from Westport will feature against his fellow Irish Team shearer Sean O’Sullivan (All- Ireland Champion) from Kerry.

However, word has come from the Clonbur/Cloughbrack area not to write off the Valley men yet as former All-Ireland Champions Patrick Kerrigan and Seamus Joyce ably backed up by current National Champion Tom Halloran have clearly indicated that O’ Sullivan and Hearty will not have it all their own way.

To support the line up even further the Connacht Tug Of War Association will present

a full Connacht pull on the day with up to 14 men’s and three women’s teams competing.

Open Sheep Dog Trials will also feature strongly and well known sheep dog breeder and trainer Michael Glynn from Cong has indicated that there will be a large turnout of competitors on the day. Further details on the dog trials can be got from Michael on 086-3967590.

Fashion will also feature as well and Carrig Donn from Westport and D Biggins fashion house from Ballinrobe will present a Fashion Show at 3 p.m. featuring all of the latest in house styles. The show will be compared by well known Galway Bay FM presenter Alan Murphy.

Making sure that all of the family are catered for the Connacht Dog Show will feature strongly with the family’s favourite pet getting all dolled up as well for the big day out.

Food will feature and lamb sausages and black pudding will be the highlight of the day from Sean Kelly in Newport who has said ‘ he will bake a three tier Black Pudding Cake for the occasion and if you can guess the weight of it you can bring it home with you for the breakfast. ‘

Don’t forget your shovel said Christy! Well we are asking you not to forget your bike

especially your High Nelly Bike which we need for the High Nelly Bike Run. If you have a High Nelly and you would like to take it out for a spin why not do it for a good cause as all proceeds from the run will go to Western Care. Bikes will assemble at Maree Bikes in Ballinrobe at 12 noon and will register there and will cycle in convoy to the racecourse. There will be a prize for the best and the worst turned out bike on the day.

Further details on the run from Paddy Rock on 087-2439760.

Trade stands are welcome on the day as well and you can contact Peter McDonagh on 087-2038294 to book you spot. Due to the present economic climate all stands will be reasonably priced.

Further details from Paddy @087-2439760 or Peter @087-2038294

e-mail : paddy@sheepshearingireland.com