James McLaughlin from Cardonagh, Co Donegal, and his six-and-half-year-old dog Dan were placed Irish national sheepdog trial champions on Saturday. Dan is sired by Derek Scrimgeour’s Killiebre Laddie and from John Dyke’s Killiebrae Lyn.

The singles class winners competed on the third and final day and were run number 144 of 150. The highest-scored run on each day qualified for a final run-off, with James and Dan eventually came out on top with a score of 158 out of 200.

Finishing second was James McCloskey, also from Cardonagh, and Sweep with a score of 146 in the run-off. Martin Feeney from Grange, Co Sligo, and Jack, were placed third with a score of 130.

In the brace class, Ned O’Keefe from Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny ,and his dogs Dunedin Tina and Jess regained the national title for second year in a row. Frankie McCullough from Ballynahinch, Co Down, and his dogs Spot and Jake were placed in the runner-up position.

Irish national team

The handlers and dogs with the highest scores qualify to compete on the Irish team against England, Scotland and Wales at the international sheepdog trials in Gwynedd, Wales, in September.

The top five runs in the singles class each day and the top two in brace class over the three days at the national trials are selected for the team. The other 12 places on the 2016 Irish team are taken up by:

John Maginn and Mozz.

Con McGarry and Cora.

Louise Amos and Corriedhu Kohl.

John Cremin and Sally.

Frankie McCullough and Spot.

Dean McAuley and Jan.

James McLaughlin and Lyn.

Sean Corrigan and Tex.

Stephen O’Connell and Snip.

Michael Hastings and Meg.

Eamon McAuley and Roy.

Michael Gallagher and Rio.