Ireland has the top dog in world rankings
‘Dunedin Gem’ has been living up to its name, proving a little ‘gem’ over the past year for his owner, John Brennan of Drom, Templemore, Co Tipperary, a well known international sheepdog trials competitor.
The ‘Dog of the Year 2002’ award, which takes the form of a herdsman’s crook, was presented to him by John Dick, President, Irish Sheepdog Trials during the European Sheepdog Trials at Thurles.
The eight year old “Dunedin Gem’ has been placed fourth in the world over the past year.
It was placed third in International Trials, in which he was the overall winner three years ago.
The ‘Dog of the Year’ award is for the top overall points winner in the previous year of competition.
After receiving the award at Inch House, Thurles, John Brennan said that he was delighted with the honour for his dog, which rarely puts a foot out of place.
‘Dunedin Gem’ is the most successful sheepdog he has had, and he believes the eight year old animal still has plenty of time to add to his honours list.
The winner of the award was announced by Michael Ryan, co-ordinator of the European Sheepdog Trails which were being held in Ireland for the first time, with competitors from eight countries, including the US.
The overall winner of the five day European Trials Championship 2003 was Gyp, owned by Con McGarry, Roscommon.
The reserve champion was owned by Serge Vander Sweep, Netherlands who also had the third placed dog.
Seventy-five Irish dogs competed for the top prizes, alongside competitors from Italy, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and the US.
The event attracted thousands of spectators to three locations in Co Tipperary, and to the final on the lands of Inch House, Thurles.
