The Golden Shears Championship was held in Gorey, Co. Wexford in 1998 when David Fagan from New Zealand was the champion shearer.
400 competitors from as far away as The Falklands, South African, Australia and the US took part shearing 7,000 sheep.
The judges are looking for fleeces to be sheared in one single piece.
The world champion from New Zealand can electrically shear an animal in just 24 seconds.
This report includes an interview with David Fagan, Debbie Helms and Eileen O'Connor. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was also in attendance and comments on the importance of the competition as a great tribute to the country.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 June 1998. The reporter is Joe O'Brien.
