Sheep shearers to be celebrated

The winners of the All Ireland senior sheep shearing title over the past fifty years will be honoured at this year’s Clik national championships at Buffer's Alley GAA club in Monamolin, Gorey, Co Wexford, on June 1.

Organising committee chairman Michael Murphy said it was decided to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary by making special presentations to acknowledge the achievements of this elite group of shearers.

Among the champions is Mrs Phyllis Bolger, Marshalstown, Co Wexford, the only woman to compete with and beat the men. She won All Ireland titles in 1964, 1968 and 1972.

Other well known winners are Tom Kennedy, Athenry, the current champion, Jim Lenihan, Meath (1954), Seamus Brannock, Mayo (1971), Billy Codd, Wicklow (1989), Andrew Corrigan, Kildare (1991), Willie Jones, Antrim (1994, 1995 and 1996) and Edwin Adams, Antrim (1974, 1975 and 1979).