No, it’s not a Fr Ted sketch, this is Shearfest 2025, with shepherds from all over the world descending on the hallowed ground of Mountbellew Mart this weekend to compete during the day, and dance the evenings away.
The European and Connacht Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships 2025 will be contested, alongside Open competitions for visitors from Australia and New Zealand.
Family-friendly activities during the day, and live music at night from Friday, May 30, will transform the east Galway town into a hotspot this weekend.
Large crowds are expected to attend the official opening at midday on Saturday, May 31, when Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will be hosted by event organisers, Mountbellew Social Development Co-op.
The highlight of the weekend is expected to be the European Open Final, held on Sunday, June 1, after the highly competitive Connacht title is settled on Saturday, May 31.
Competitors are travelling from France, Germany, Spain, Britain and Ireland. They will be competing against each other for the European title in the so-called ‘Olympics of Shearing’, with substantial prize money on offer. Competitors are expected from from Australia and New Zealand for the Open Competitions.
MartBeat concerts begin with with TradFest on Friday, May 30, with Eleanor Shanley, Chris Kelly, Máirín Fahy and a gathering of local talent finishing the night off with George Murphy and the Rising Sons.
On Saturday and Sunday, Mike Denver, Michael English, All Folk’d Up, Johnny Brady, Ciaran Rosney and Stephen Reilly will perform. On Sunday between 6-8pm, Sabrina Fallon will host a jiving competition.
Mini Athletics, a fun fair, face painting, magic, sheep dog demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, a fashion master class, traditional farm methods, a tug of war, and even a fleece throwing competition should entertain all ages.
Shearfest25 is supported by Galway Rural Development and a number of long-term sponsors. Free parking.
