Dog trials round up 50 teams for competitions
By Mary Dennehy
LOCAL farmer Donie Anderson and his trusty sheepdog Jess will be among 50 teams competing in the annual Bohernabreena Dog Trials this Sunday behind St Anne’s Church.
Dogs and their owners from across Ireland will descend on the Tallaght hills for the trials, which were originally rooted in the Old Bawn area of Tallaght before moving to the Postal Club on the Kiltipper Road.
Donie and Jess competiting at a previous trials competition in Bohernabreena
Over the years the trials began to die out until Donie revived the event in 2002 and brought it to Bohernabreena – ensuring the continuation of this age-old tradition.
Living in Glenasmole, Donie is a sheep farmer and has been working with sheepdogs all his life.
His trusty dog Jess is well known around the Tallaght area, especially for her ability to herd geese and hens.
“Jess is a great dog, there’s something very special about her,” Donie said.
“She’s 10 years old now, but is still working away.
“I have a few other dogs that work alongside me as well, but Jess is the sensible one.
“She’s a very gentle dog and I’ll never forget the evening she starting herding the hens and the geese.”
Jess and Donie will once again compete in the Bohernabreena Dog Trials, which is being held this Sunday, September 2, in the field behind St Anne’s Church from 9am to 5pm.
“Keeping the dog trials going in Bohernabreena is very important, it’s a tradition that has been going on in the area for years,” Donie said.
“It shows people an important aspect of life for local farmers.”
Members of the public are invited to attend the free event and get a taste for life in the hills – and cheer on Donie and Jess, who, the only Dublin competitors last year, came sixth in the 2017 trials.
For further details visit the Bohernabreena Sheep Dog Trials Facebook event page.
TAGS Tallaght
