Beannachtan ar an cu caorach

New Zealand is famed for its sheep industry; no doubt most of us have eaten lamb from the Land of the Long White Cloud. Whilst travelling through the South Island in 2005, I visited the church on Lake Tekapu (Not unlike Gougane Barra here in Cork!) and was amazed to see this monument dedicated to the humble Border Collie. I was further enthralled by the fact that a dedication was made to this amazing breed through the medium of Irish or Gaelic (Scots) : Beannachtan ar an cu caorach, which means blessings on the hound of sheep, a most apt description! Judging by the ruggedness, isolation and inhospitable terrain of Makenzie County, it is of little wonder that this supremely intelligent breed is held in such high regard by farmers, breeders and animal lovers worldwide.

Surely the best 4x4xfar?