Peter Og tipped to star at World Sheepdog Trials

Peter Og tipped to star at World Sheepdog Trials

30 August 2023

A CASTLEWELLAN teenager is set to take on some of the world’s best sheepdog handlers next month.

Peter Óg Morgan and his beloved dog, Tip, will represent Ireland at the prestigious World Sheepdog Trials, which take place at Gill Hall Estate, Dromore, over September 13-16.

Coming to Northern Ireland for the first time, the global event has been organised by the International Sheepdog Society and is expected to welcome over 30,000 spectators alongside 240 sheepdogs and their handlers from all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Finland.

Peter Óg will join his fellow competitors all vying to be ‘top dog’ at the end of the four-day event.

It’s the latest challenge for the 15 year-old, who clinched the top spot in the Young Handlers classes at the National and International Sheepdog Trials in 2021.

Following in a longstanding family tradition, Peter Óg is a third-generation trialling enthusiast. His father, Peter, and grandfather, Frankie McCullough, are former Irish champions.

He says he’s “extremely excited” to make his debut at the world trials.

“My dad and grandfather have been keen handlers in sheepdog trials for a number of years and that’s definitely what piqued my interest — I suppose you could say it’s in my blood,” he remarked.

“Tip and I have been performing very well during recent trials and even though the prospect of going up against some of the world’s best young handlers is quite daunting, I’m confident that we can put on a solid performance.

“Over the next few weeks, Tip and I will be practising hard with the help of my family and I’m really looking forward to the event. Hopefully we can bring home some more silverware.  

 A testament to the global appeal of the World Sheepdog Trials, the event will deliver a significant economic boost to businesses across Northern Ireland, including locally in County Down, with many visitors within the sheepdog community already booking extended trips.

John McCullough, chairman of the World Trial Committee, said: “We’re delighted to have Peter Óg representing Ireland at this year’s trials.

“His dedication will be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to other competitors and we’re looking forward to seeing him put on the great performance we know he’s more than capable of producing.

“The arrival of the World Sheepdog Trials in Northern Ireland is a momentous occasion.  We are honoured to showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of sheepdogs and their handlers on the global stage. 

“With competitors hailing from diverse countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Finland, this event truly exemplifies the universal appeal of sheepdog trials.

“We’ll have some of the world’s best sheepdogs and their handlers descending into Ireland in September and it is sure to be a spectacle not to be missed.:”

Isabel Branch, CEO of the International Sheepdog Society, said: ““We are thrilled to announce that the World Sheep Dog Trials are making history in Northern Ireland, as we proudly host this prestigious event for the very first time.

“The World Sheepdog Trials are very much the Olympics of the sheepdog world, so we are expecting extremely tough competition in each of the classes. This is a fantastic opportunity to observe the best of the best, and we can’t wait to welcome enthusiasts and spectators, from across Ireland and further afield, to join us in this momentous occasion.”

For more information on the four-day event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.worldsheepdogtrials.org.