All roads lead to the Meath townland of Ballymacan near Collon on Sunday July 13, when the Ballymacan Sheepdog Trials return for their 11th year from 11:00 onwards.

Always a great day out for all the family, this fundraising event has raised thousands for local charities over the years including the Drogheda Dolls, Meath Women’s Refuge, and My Canine Companion, to mention but a few. This year the proceeds are going to Rathkenny Community Centre, as well as some small donations made to other local charities on the day.

According to Mary Power, one of the organisers of the popular event: “This will be our 11th sheepdog trials. “We will have sheepdogs from all over the country, and we hope to have some international entrants and a beginners’ class. ’Last year, we even had a Swedish entrant.”

Mary said the Ballymacan event has had a lasting impact on sheepdog trials nationally. “We are very proud of our beginners’ class, as we see people over the years go on and become national competitors. It’s great to be part of that,” she said. The number of dogs participating can vary from around 35 or 40 up to as many as 70 - “It depends on whether there are other trials taking place around the country,” she said.

“We have the pen organised in such a way that it is very challenging. The crowd love it when the dogs get the sheep into the pen.”

On the day, while many people are fascinated by the sheepdog trials, there will be lots of other attractions to make it a perfect family day out.

These will include a dunking chair; barbecue; The “Bally Bake Off” baking competition, Kid’s Art Competition, “Bally’s Got Talent”, Creature Crew Animal Encounters; Face Painting, Vintage Cars, The Louth Barn Owl Project and Dublin Hedgehog Rescue information stand, The Big Raffle, and much much more.

Admission and parking are free and the barbecue is complimentary. Tea, coffee, and baked goodies will also be provided free of charge. “All we ask of people is that they make a donation and buy some raffle tickets. “Everything is sponsored by local contractors, business people, and individuals,” Mary added.

For more information see the attached poster, or visit

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