Winning score of 204 points...

Simon Mosse, of Co. Kilkenny, has won the Irish National for the first time with his four-year-old bitch Dark.

Speaking after his win yesterday, Simon said: "I really wasn't expecting to win. I was hoping to get in the team but to win is really something.

"It's everyone's dream to win a National."

Toddy Lambe had been in the lead with Sam after day two of the National sheepdog trials held in Co. Tipperary, until Simon's run at number 127.

He beat Toddy by two points, ending his run with a score of 204. Dark had a clean outrun and lift, lost two on the fetch and four on the drives. It was in the shed where they lost 10 points after an unsuccessful first attempt. They then finished with a clean pen and single.

The overall standard of running over the three days was high, with handlers needing a score of 188 to be in with a chance of making the team.

The full Irish team is as follows:

1. Simon Mosse and Dark 204
2. Toddy Lambe and Sam 202
3. Allistair Lyttle and Moss 200
4. Eugene McLaughlin and Rule Bob 198
5. Thomas Doherty and Snip 196
6. James McGee and Killiebrae Nell 192
7. Allistair Lyttle and Spot 191
8. James Diamond and Taff 190
9. Patrick McGoldrick and Glen 190
10. Con McGarry and Dan 190
11. James McGee and Becca 190  
12. Michael Gallagher and Cap 190
13. Stephen O'Donnell and Black 190
14. Brian Casey and Cloverhill Tweed 188
15. Michael Kelly and Tess 188
Reserve: Michael Hopkins and Don 188

Brace team members:

Winner Sammy Long with Moss & Sam;

Dennis Birchall with Flash & Mossie.

Brace scores:

Milo O'Brien with Gail & Tweed 178

Dan Morrissey with Gem & Flash 211

Frank Cashen with Clare & Ben 179

Sammy Long with Moss & Sam 244

Con McGarry with Dan & Ballyglass Nell Ret

Mike Glynn with Biddy (Bet) & Jim Ret

Dennis Birchall with Flash & Mossie 234

David Corrigan with Jake & Fionn 202

Visit the picture galleries from the three days at the Irish National:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Log on in the coming days for an interview with brace winner Sammy Long and more news from the Irish National.