In 1965, the tiny north Westmeath village of Collinstown had so many visitors at their National Sheep Shearing Championships that organisers were mixing mustard in buckets with spades for Mrs O’Neill to make sandwiches.

Fifty years on and another Sheep Shearing Championship will see huge numbers descend again into north Westmeath where local young shearers, like Andrew and Richard Bonham will be the stars of the show.

An event like the All-Ireland allows young sheep shearers to come together and get advice and improve their skills.

“Sheep shearing is hard work with long hours," said Richard Bonham, Westmeath Shearing Champion. "What makes it bearable are the people you meet and the people in the sheep shearing industry. An event like the All-Ireland allows young sheep shearers to come together and get advice and improve their skills."

His brother Andrew, All-Ireland Junior Champion, gave those attending the launch a flavour of the event with a skills demonstration on Castlepollard Square for the two hundred launch event guests.

“We will also have a Strictly Come Shearing Competition during the two days of the event, and every club can send one representative to train with us and compete in June,” said Richard.

The event will be held on the June bank holiday weekend in the Tullynally estate, owned by Thomas and Valerie Pakenham.

“The community numbers that are out tonight, with representatives from every single club in the area, show the good will and the hard work that people in this parish are willing to contribute to make next Junes event a huge success," said committee member Daragh Gallagher.

The core committee for the event are the Townspark Vintage Committee, who expect to receive almost 5,000 visitors each day. The event will also include Barn Dances, live music and fringe activity.