Go niche

PLANS FOR the June bank holiday still a bit woolly? Well, have we the event for you.

This year over two days Kilkenny hosts the biggest sheep, wool and wool-related cultural festival ever staged in Ireland. I know, who knew there were others.

More than 10,000 sheep shearers and spectators from all over Ireland, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand will flock to Cillín Hill, just outside the town, for the 2011 Sheep Wool Festival which includes the All-Ireland International Sheep Shearing Wool Handling Championships.

Sheep shearing is amazingly professional and the top guys are in huge demand worldwide, with incomes that would rival tribunal lawyers. The athletes of the agricultural world, many have their own trainers, physios and chiropractors to keep them in peak condition.

Indeed, being able to shear sheep quickly is a passport to travel. Those at the top typically work their way around the world following the sun, from New Zealand to the Falklands and on up to Scandinavia.

Ireland has some of the world’s best. Donegal’s Ivan Scott’s previous world record, set in Rotorua two years ago, was for a whopping 736 animals in eight hours.

Scott will be defending his title as Irish champion in the main event but will face stiff competition from New Zealand’s Doug Smith who holds the world record for shearing. If the competition element isn’t worth bleating about there’s also a food and craft exhibition, a fun fair, dog show, a “Strongman of Kilkenny” event and a fashion show with all items made from wool (expect a lot of jumpers). There will also be sheepdog and shepherd competitions.

If you’re bringing the kids however, whatever you do don’t dress them up like the ones in the publicity picture (above).

• sheepshearing2011.ie