Over 50 dogs and owners in annual sheep dog trials
By Mary Dennehy
DOGS and their owners from across Ireland descended on Bohernabreena last weekend for the annual sheep dog trials, which is the only event of its type in Dublin.
Organised by Glenasmole farmer Donie Anderson, who represented Tallaght and Dublin with his trusty sheep dog Jess, the trials were originally rooted in the Old Bawn area of Tallaght before moving to the Postal Club on the Kiltipper Road.
However, over the years the trials began to die out until Donie revived the event in 2002 and brought it to Friarstown – ensuring the continuation of the age-old tradition.
Last Sunday, more than 50 dogs and their owners competed in the Bohernabreena Sheep Dog Trials, which, looking down on Tallaght, were located in a field behind St Anne’s Church between 10am and 6pm.
Donie told The Echo how competitors travelled from counties such as Down, Tipperary, Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare, Mayo, Roscommon and Kilkenny to take part on the day, with the top prize being brought back to Tipp after John Brennan and his dog York scooped first place.
As the only Dublin competitor, Donie and his dog Jess did their county proud after they were awarded sixth place by trials’ judge Bill Seals.
“The competition is really important for those that compete but it’s also important for the local area, as it’s a long-running tradition . . . with the working of sheep dogs a way of life for many up on the [Tallaght] hills.”
He added: “We also had some members of the public drop up on the day and it was great to see them looking on.
“We had great support from local businesses as well and would like to thank them for that.”
