One man and his dog reach the top of their class
Templemore farmer John Brennan is holding a prominent position this week as Ireland's finalist at the International Sheepdog Championships in Britain with his Irish champion sheepdog Dunedin Gem the toast of the sheepdog trials in recent times.
After spending 26 years in the classroom, John is proving that his experience as a teacher is still a valuable asset, but nowadays the subject of his teaching is sheepdogs who he trains to a fine degree of response in instruction and obedience.
Having been presented last June with the Dog fo the Year 2002 award for achieving the highest points on the trials circuit last year, his superdog Dunedin Gem has since won the Irish Sheepdog Championship Trials, qualifying him to represent Ireland at the final of the International Championships taking place this week in Britain.
A dedicated enthusiast, John admits that the breeding of the dog has a lot to do with the animal's ability to reach high standards, but equally important is the training which he receives, and the building of a close relationship between the man and his dog, so that each will understand the other.
John has twice competed in the popular television series One Man and His Dog, being a finalist in the series in 1987 and again in 1997.
The eight year-old Dunedin Gem has been placed fourth in the world in sheepdog trails over the past year and earned the honour of third in the International Trials. He was overall winner of the International Trials three years ago.
John admits that the dog is undoubtedly the most successful he has ever had and believes that the regular winner at home and abroad has still got the ability to add to the honours list as he develops to a point of even greater excellence.
