People painting sheep for All-Ireland final in spite of ISPCA pleas

There's an abundance of farmers dyeing for their county this week in a show of support before the All-Ireland football final. Sheep across the west and northwest are sporting the Donegal and Mayo colours in what has been the most colourful of build-ups to the match on Sunday.

Speaking before the All-Ireland hurling final, animal welfare charity, the ISPCA warned of the dangers and stress caused to animals when painting them in their county colours. CEO Noel Griffin spoke to the Irish Independent, explaining, 'We're well aware that the occasion of an All-Ireland final is very important but the most important thing is to ensure that the animal is not put under undue stress.'

However it did not deter Galway hurling fans spraying their sheep, and it now seems no woollen animal is safe before Sunday:

Are there any white or black sheep left in Donegal?! (Machaire Gathlán, Gaoth Dobhair) #untilvictoryalways #DonegalGAA twitter.com/Frank11Guinnes…

— Frances Harkin (@Frank11Guinness) September 14, 2012