Irishman crowned New Zealand's top junior sheep shearer

Co Wicklow man Seán Dunne has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first non-New Zealander to win the New Zealand junior sheep shearing title. The 20-year-old from Laragh expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am feeling pretty good now alright, to get over there and become the top ranked." Dunne estimates he has shorn 70,000 sheep in the three years since he began the craft, having traveled to New Zealand twice, shorn in Ireland for three seasons, and once in Norway.

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I am feeling pretty good now alright, to get over there and become the top ranked.

Dunne noted that shearing a sheep can take between 90 seconds and three minutes, depending on the animal. He observed that New Zealand sheep are "more woolly" and have more wool on their heads and legs compared to Irish sheep. He feels a sense of pride in continuing a family tradition, as both his father, Tom, and grandfather, Paddy, were also champion sheep shearers. His grandfather won four All-Ireland titles.

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I travelled to New Zealand twice, and I've shorn in Ireland for three seasons and I've been to Norway once.

Competitions in New Zealand run from October to April, with 30 to 40 events. Points are awarded for the quality of the finish on the sheep, ensuring no wool is left and no skin cuts are made, alongside time points. The junior finals require competitors to shear five sheep. Dunne described the work as physically demanding but rewarding and enjoyable once one is fit. He is currently back in Ireland after a three-month stint in New Zealand, where he learned about shearing techniques, competition mentality, and approaching different sheep. He mentioned that 12 to 15 young Irish shearers travel to New Zealand annually. The next world championship is in Australia in 2029, but Dunne plans to compete in shows across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Britain for the remainder of the season.

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every sheep is different