A young Co. Mayo farmer beat some of the world’s best shearers at the 2026 Golden Shears competition in New Zealand to claim the new world champion title in the Intermediate category.

Joseph Scahill, from Mayo, became only the second person from the Republic of Ireland to win a Golden Shears title in Masterton, where the competition is in its 64th year.

The first was David Kingston, of Cork, who competed in the Junior shearing final in 1998.

The Golden Shears is an international competitive shearing competition held annually in Wairarapa, New Zealand.

Since its inception in 1961, the competition has grown, and now hosts competitors from 26 countries around the world.

The categories are shearing, wool handling, wool pressing.

The international impact on the 2026 Golden Shears was seen early in the competition, when three lower grade titles were won by competitors from the Northern Hemisphere.

The triumphant visitors were Joseph Scahill, of Westport, and Welsh youngster Steffan George, from Aberystwyth, who won the Golden Shears Intermediate and Junior shearing finals respectively, and and Isabelle Joiner, from Calgary, Canada, winner of the Novice woolhandling title.

All had entered as individuals.

Other Irish competitors

There was also an Irish runner-up in the Novice shearing title.

Steffan George narrowly beat runner-up and regular Junior finalist Sean Dunne of Co. Wicklow.

The senior team representing Ireland had machine shearers Denis O’Sullivan (Co. Kerry), Patrick Corrigan (Co. Kildare); and blade shearers James and Martin Hopkins (Co. Mayo), as well as wool handlers Joanne Devanney (Co. Sligo and Hazel Crowe (Co. Westmeath).

O’Sullivan ultimately placed sixth in the world after making it to the final.

The organisers of the Golden Shears said: “To all the world competitors, this is your chance to stand tall and saviour the opportunity to proudly represent your country.

“Everyone around the world acknowledges your commitment to travel these long journeys to compete on an international stage and strive to gain a place in the finals of your relevant discipline.”