By Michelle Crean

They say "a dog is man's best friend" and for one Kilcummin man nothing could be more true as they compete this Sunday on one of the UK's most popular weekly factual TV programmes.

TV APPEARANCE: Tom with his two daughters Aoibhe and Kayleigh and his wife Mairead pictured on set for the BBC1 Countryfile programme.

FAME: Tom's sheepdog 'North Hill Tess' is reaching new levels of fame as she will appear on BBC 1's Countryfile this Sunday.

Countryfile, which pulls in six million viewers a week will feature Tom O’Sullivan and his beloved award winning sheepdog 'North Hill Tess'.

After winning the International Supreme Championship last year - they were invited to take part in the prestigious BBC1 'One Man and His Dog' show.

However, he's not revealing the outcome of the TV trials just yet, saying viewers will have to tune in this Sunday when the programme airs on BBC1 at 4.45pm.

"I haven’t competed on this programme before, the prize is 'One Man and His Dog Champion 2022' and a trophy will be presented on the show on Sunday night," Tom, who has travelled all over Ireland and the UK with his dog, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"I compete in sheepdog trials and after our success at last year's 2021 International Supreme Championships in Wales we were invited to compete in this year's televised sheepdog trial competition on 'One Man and His Dog'. I will be competing with the 2021 International Supreme Champion, 'North Hill Tess'."

RECORDING

The competition was recorded on the farm of Ceri and Phil Rundle, Bodfari, North Wales last month with top sheepdog trial handlers competing from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

"We are very proud to be representing our country in this prestigious event," he added.

“'One Man and His Dog' began in 1976 and is the TV programme/competition that everyone associates with sheepdog trialling. It brings the skill and brilliance of the border collie to everyone’s attention from the '70s to current times."

After last year's win he said he was honoured to be asked to compete in this year's event and represent Ireland with 'North Hill Tess'.

"We had a great few days in Wales with the family and friends at the recording of the event. 'North Hill Tess' is a brilliant dog and she has taken myself and my family all over Ireland and the UK competing at the highest level over the past number of years. We are delighted to be appearing on this year's 'One Man and His Dog' programme and hope to be able to bring the trophy back to Ireland.”