Huge congratulations to hill farmer and long-standing Board Member of the Council, Donie Anderson, who has been awarded two acknowledgements in this year’s National Heritage Week 2020 Awards.

Donie received the fantastic news that his extensive efforts to promote traditional sheep farming practices and sheepdog training, were being recognised under two categories, “Re-learning Skills From Our Heritage” and “Heritage At Your Doorstep”. The former earning him a national runner-up title and the latter earning him the well-deserved title of County Winner in recognition of the best project submitted for Dublin South.

Donie Anderson’s family have been farming in the picturesque Glenasmole Valley in the Dublin Uplands for generations, with Donie retaining many of the old traditional farming practices which he proudly shares at country fairs, agricultural shows, schools and competitions around the country.

Thanks in large part to these efforts, the practices of Traditional Sheep Farming and Sheepdog Training was officially recognised by the state with their inclusion to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.Listed as a notable practitioner, Donie joined thirty unique practices of Irish ‘living cultural heritage’ on the inventory which seeks to provide a status to protect and preserve traditions for generations. This official recognition of cultural importance by the state, includes uileann piping, hurling, snap net fishing, sea currach making, dry stone construction and many more.

The Heritage Council’s National Heritage Awards celebrate and acknowledge the most engaging projects organised by Heritage Week participants. The winning projects submitted by individuals, families and community groups, were selected for their efforts to ensure the preservation, protection and promotion of Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage. They also were required to have an identifiable educational value by helping people to engage with and find out more about our rich and diverse heritage.

As you can see from this video that formed part of this year’s National Heritage Week Programme, Donie and his much-loved sheepdogs Jess, Bob, and Toss, demonstrate how they skillfully bring the sheep home from the hills to the farmyard, and also the traditional skill of blade-shearing.

This week’s awards follow after Donie’s video of him skilfully cutting his hair with a pair of sheep-shearing scissors during the early days of Ireland’s lockdown, became an international hit, generating close to 40 million views online, ad campaigns and worldwide media appearances.

It’s been quite a year so far for Donie …. and Jess, Bob, and Toss!