About The National Trial
National Trials are held by the ISDS annually each summer in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The top 150 Irish sheepdogs and their handlers compete for a chance to represent Ireland at the Annual International Trials each year, usually held in September. Each handler can enter a maximum of three dogs, but only two of these may run, the third being an ‘alternate’ dog who may be substituted for one of the two.
The Irish National takes place over three days; the five highest scoring competitors from each day win a place in the Irish team. At the end of the third day's competition, there is a runoff between the winners from each day to find the overall Irish Champion and the Irish team captain. Each National Team has 15 places and one reserve place, so competition is fierce.
During the lunch break every day, whilst the singles competitors and singles judges seek refreshment, the best Brace teams in Ireland compete before the Brace judges to find the Irish National Brace Champion. They also have the honour of representing their country at the International Trial.
2018 Irish Team
1st and Irish National Champion Paul O'Donnell with Limber
2nd James James Mc Laughlin with Ben
3rd Paddy Fanning with Bruce
4th James McCloskey with Sweep
5th Franky McCullough with Spot
6th John Brennan with York
7th James P Mc Gee with Glencregg Silver
8th Aidan P Gallagher with Cain
9th Wilton Goligher with Moss
10th James P Mcgee with Ardagh Maid
11th Con Mcgarry with Tara
12th Simon Mosse with Dunedin Peg
13th Joey Walsh with Peg
14th James McLaughlin with Dan
15th Ned O'keeffe with Dunedin Tina
Reserve William Gallagher with Moss
2018 Irish National Champion Paul O'Donnell with Limber
Photo courtesy of Bo Davidson
2018 Irish National Team
Photo courtesy of Bo Davidson
2018 Irish Brace Champion
John F Maginn with Lad and Kate
Reserve Con McGarry with Tara and Cora
John F Maginn with Lad and Kate
Photo courtesy of Bo Davidson
2018 Young Handler
Caolan Byrne with Ava
Photo courtesy of Bo Davidson