Outstanding services to the society
Outstanding services to the society
ONE of the most spectacular trophies presented at the International Sheep Dog Trials is the Wilkinson Sword. This award is given to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the International Sheep Dog Society.
This years recipient was retired farmer Lynn McKee of Banbridge, Northern Ireland.
Mr Mckee was Irish national president in the late 70s and early 80s and a council member and director of the society for many years. His trialling successes include winning the singles championship at the Irish national trials and taking the doubles championship on four occasions.
Sheep dogs are not Mr McKees only canine interest. He is well known within many dog societies as a breeder of quality stock and he has judged Boxers and Great Danes at Crufts. But sheep dogs are his favourites. There is something special about the sheep dog, says Mr McKee who has kept and worked them since his school days. He always enjoyed the challenge of picking out a young dog with potential, he says, and then working to bring it up to international standard.
Wilkinsons
Sword winner Lynn McKee with his grandson David Scott.