From Leitrim to New Zealand: Sheer Excitement for Kinlough Speed Shear Competition

After a last minute decision, Kinlough Speed Sheep Shear competition will be going ahead this Sunday, August 4. Sheep shearers from all over Ireland, and even as far as New Zealand, will be competing to win the title of fastest sheep shearer.

The Kinlough Speed Shear event has been held annually since 2022 raising over €1500 for North West Stop - Suicide Prevention in its first year. 

Last year, the shear was a great success, raising over €4000 for Make A Wish foundation, with all sponsors and prizes locally sourced.

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There will be three categories to take part in this year: open, junior and senior depending on experience and the winner is in for a top prize of €500. 

“It’ll be a lot of local young people competing, and we have a few New Zealanders as well. A few people from the bottom of Ireland and Northern Ireland are coming too,” James O’Reilly, organiser of Kinlough Speed Shear said.

“There isn’t much else happening in Kinlough if not for it, a lot of the people in Kinlough area were asking me if it was happening again this year.”

James was initially not going to go ahead with the competition this year, but after high demand in the local area he decided to proceed with the popular competition this bank holiday weekend.

“It’s a good day out for the whole town,” he concluded.

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The competition will start at 2pm on Sunday, August 4 at Earley’s Bar, Kinlough. The event will see local band ‘Ravin’ Lunatics’ play and a BBQ available on the day.