Mullooly gears up for world record attempt

Gisborne shearer Catherine Mullooly, pictured here in action and tutoring, will make an attempt on the “strong wool” world ewe-shearing record next week over near Te Kuiti. File picture

Matawai farmer, and mother of two, Catherine Mullooly will make a solo attempt on the eight-hour, women’s “strong wool” world ewe shearing record next Wednesday.

The attempt will take place at Nukuhakari Station near Te Kuiti.

Catherine is of Ngati Pourua, Ngāti Hinehika and Irish descent,

She will set out to break the record set by English shearer Marie Prebble, in England, in 2022.

To do it she will need to cut the wool off more than 371 ewes in the space of eight hours.

“She’s sounding good within herself and ready for the attempt,” said her father Myles Mullooly,

“Catherine’s very fit, calm and has done all the right preparation with diet and gym work.

“She also has a great team supporting her attempt.”

Catherine will be shearing full wool ewes, who have not had a haircut for eight months or more.

“The whole family will be going over for it, along with a lot of other supporters,” her dad said.

“I reckon she can do it.”

Another female Kiwi shearer, Amy Silcock, will attempt to break the record on Sunday.

So Catherine might have a bit further to go when she gets her crack at it next Wednesday, January 10.

“There will be a live stream, for those who cannot get over to the west coast, on her facebook page.”

Catherine’s attempt will start at 7am that morning.