Locals countdown to prestigious national event in Kilkenny town

A large crowd is expected to descend on Newhouse, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny for the Irish National Sheepdog Trials, which takes place from August 24-26.

Hundreds of people from all parts of the world are expected to arrive in the Kilkenny town for the trials and homeowners are being asked to consider renting a room to visitors due to accommodation shortages across the county.

To date, locals primarily in Kilkenny City, Stoneyford and the greater Thomastown area have agreed to open their doors to those attending the show but as the countdown to the event gets closer, the accommodation search is on for those coming to Noreside.

An Airbnb for two adults and two kids in the area ranges from €187 to €496 a night with single room accommodation in a hotel ranging from €190 to €538 for two adults over two nights.

Secretary of the Local Committee, Miriam Lettner, thanked members of the local community who have supported the cause to date and believes the event will create a buzz for Thomastown and Kilkenny at large: “It (the trials) brings something to the community, it’s like the holidays, we all meet up and have a chat,” adding, the three day event will offer families, partners and those bringing kids along something to do.

Local business people are set to benefit from the festivities, with over ten coffee shops and restaurants available to tourists in Thomastown alone.

Co Kilkenny is no stranger to hosting the Sheepdog Trials, in 2015 Johnstown in North Kilkenny welcomed participants to the area for the three day national event.

Ms Lettner was also involved in Johnstown’s staging of the competition, believing the experience has been an aid to her in preparation for the Thomastown showcasing.

“It doesn't take away all the work we have to put in but at least I know what it means to host a national. “The next 10 days put pressure on everyone, we have to get the fields sorted, the fencing up, the marquees up, to sort out the sheep and make sure the spectators and handlers all feel comfortable”. 

The competition will welcome 150 of Ireland’s best sheepdogs, each vying for a place in the international competition, which pits together dogs from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and is set to be hosted in Co Wicklow this September. 

The prestigious August show is just the first leg of a busy period for Ms Lettner as she looks forward to representing Ireland with fellow Kilkenny native Ned O’Keefe at the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials, which takes place from September 13-16 at Gill Hall Estate, Co Down.

The three day show kicks off each morning at 7am, a food marquee will be available for spectators and admission, which goes towards the costs of hosting the event, is priced at €10.