One man and his dog reach the top of their class

A Co Tipperary farmer who gave up work as a school teacher has been proving on the international circuit that he has now successfully turned his teaching skills to ‘pupils’ of the canine type.

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.