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How one man and his sheepdog are heading to the world cup

Niall McCrackenMid Ulster reporter, BBC News NI
BBC A man in a red T-shirt and denim jeans, smiling widely, he is squated down over a black dog, on green grass with forestry in backgroundBBC
Declan McGee and his dog Chip have only been taking part in competitive sheepdog trials for around three years

Declan McGee and his trusty border collie Chip only began taking part in the hugely competitive world of sheepdog trials less than three years ago.

In that short space of time they have been selected to represent their country and are about to compete in the World Sheepdog Trials.

The prestigious competition only happens every three years and brings together the world's best sheepdog handlers.

"Some people have golf, other people play football, this is my hobby and I just really enjoy it," McGee said.

A black sheepdog, pacing behind three brown and cream sheep on grass
Chip training in preparation for the World Sheepdog Trials in September

This year the World Sheep Dog Trials are taking place in September in Scotland.

McGee is known for being modest by nature and is very quick to play down what others have described as his "meteoric" rise in the sport.

The County Tyrone man added: "I'm still learning all the time, it's about spending time with your dog, building that bond.

"Probably at this stage now it's a bit like I'm teaching Chip, and then he's teaching me."

Sheepdog trialling is a competitive pastime where handlers direct working dogs - usually border collies - to gather and drive sheep through a set course and into a pen.

Handlers use whistles and voice commands to guide their dogs through a series of tasks.

Competitors are judged on the dog's control, accuracy and responsiveness.

'Telepathic bond'

McGee said he always had an interest in sheepdogs but "for a long time I hadn't seen anywhere to get involved in the sport".

"Then there was a local introduction to sheepdog trailing and that was the start of my involvement, and I realised how huge the sport was worldwide."

The bond between McGee and his five-year-old dog Chip is unmistakable when they train together.

With a few subtle blows of a whistle and specific voice commands, Chip responds immediately, herding the sheep in the right direction.

But McGee says he never imagined he would be competing on the international stage.

"I actually got Chip off a neighbour of mine who had a litter of pups, and I brought him to the farm and noticed he was really good at reacting to commands," he said.

"When I decided we should give competitions a go, it probably took about three or four months initially to get him to a working standard, and then it was about developing skills after that."

A black dog with a red collar, lying down on grass. In the background a jeep and red tractor are visible.
Chip is five years old and as well as taking part in competitions he is also a working dog on the McGee family farm

Ahead of competing for Ireland in the World Sheepdog trials in September, Magee is competing in the Irish National Sheepdog Trials in Stewartstown at the end of August.

It is the first time that the competition is being held in Mid Ulster.

It will see the top 150 sheepdogs and handlers across the island of Ireland gather at the Stuart Hall Estate across four days between 26-29 August.

Gerard Hegarty is the chairman of the organising committee for this year's Irish National Sheepdog Trials.

"Essentially these trials are a reflection of what farmers do with their dogs all the time on their farms, sending them out to gather the sheep from the hill, bringing them down again, things like that," he said.

"The trials are about showcasing these skills and, when you get to see that bond between a handler and dog at the top of their game, it's something to behold."

A man with short grey hair, wearing black metal rimmed glasses, and a red polo shirt. He is pictured standing against greenery in a field.
Gerard Hegarty is one of the organisers behind the Irish National Sheepdog Trials

Hegarty said McGee's "meteoric rise" in the sport is rare.

He said: "Declan is a very modest fella, but when you consider he only started a couple of years ago, there are very few handlers make the Irish team and compete internationally so quickly.

"When you see Declan and Chip train together now, their communication is almost telepathic at this stage."

Hagarty added: "To have someone from Tyrone like Declan competing at that level and then to have the Irish sheepdog trials coming to the county, it's a great time for the sheepdog handlers locally."

A man stood in a field with trees behind him, he is blowing into a whistle and wearing a pink top.
Declan uses a whistle to communicate with Chip

So what is the secret to McGee's success?

"The key is putting in the time, it's a lot of evenings and weekends, thankfully I've a very forgiving and understanding wife," he said.

As for the world trials in September, McGee is characteristically relaxed about it.

"Don't get me wrong, there'll be a bit of nerves surely, but you just have to enjoy the experience because I never expected to reach this level.

"Like most sports you've good days and bad days, hopefully when it counts, Chip and I will have a good day; that's all you can ask for."