Shear determination at the World Sheep Championships

The Golden Shears competition takes place from today in Gorey, Co Wexford, including the World Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships.

More than 300 of the finest sheep sharers the world has to offer are competing at the weekend's events, from locals to visitors from New Zealand, Australia, Germany and even China, who are competing for the first time at this year's event.

Ireland's Ivan Scott, from Donegal, is the current All-Ireland title holder (having won seven times) and world record champion - and captain of the Irish shearing team.

Up to 25,000 visitors are expected to visit the festival, which also features a dog show, sheep dog trials, live music and a fashion show.

The events were officially opened by Ministers Simon Coveney, Leo Varadkar, and TD Paul Kehoe, with Coveney sticking around to launch Bord Bia's summer lamb food campaign.

And food is well represented at the event, with 150 trade stands and a craft village set up to compliment the competition stage.

The festival is taking place next to the Amber Springs Hotel outside of Gorey town. Tickets for the events are €10 on the gate, and there's even a live video feed available during competition times.