Just a little off the top...

I was able to sneak out for a couple of hours this weekend and go to the annual sheep sheering competition. This is the third time that I have gone to one of these... and finally it wasn't a miserable day. Usually the rain buckets down and the wind lashes everyone who is there. This year the sun was beating down and everyone was complaining about the heat. I loved it! It always amazes me that these type of things still go on. No doubt that competitions like this have gone on here for generations.

Fathers and sons competed... lads from the next village battled against lads from Co. Kerry. The announcer spoke with the speed of an auctioneer and with the passion of the most excited sportscaster. The sheep seemed to go into a trance as their thick coats were sheered off of them at a record pace... The crowd cheered and laughed... men in white coats stood and judged the competitors... winners gave speeches... And there was even a 'queen of the wool' contest and winner.

This, beyond any doubt, is one of the many things that I love about Ireland.





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