A County Tyrone sheepdog handler has been selected to represent Ireland at the World Sheepdog Trials, which take place in Scotland in September.

Declan McGee, from Tyrone, will compete with his five-year-old border collie Chip. McGee began entering competitive sheepdog trials less than three years ago. Chip also works as a sheepdog on the McGee family farm.

The World Sheepdog Trials are held every three years and bring together handlers from several countries. In preparation, McGee is due to take part in the Irish National Sheepdog Trials at Stewartstown in County Tyrone later this month. Those trials run from 26 to 29 August at the Stuart Hall Estate.

The Irish National Sheepdog Trials are being staged in Mid Ulster for the first time. Organisers expect 150 sheepdogs and handlers from across the island of Ireland to attend over the four days.

Gerard Hegarty, chairman of the organising committee, said the trials reflect the everyday work that farmers do with their dogs, herding sheep from hills and bringing them back. He said the competition showcases the bond between a handler and a dog.

Hegarty added that McGee's progress has been unusual, with very few handlers making the Irish team so quickly after taking up the sport. He described the communication between McGee and Chip as almost telepathic, and said having a Tyrone handler at international level while the Irish trials come to the county is a significant moment for local handlers.

McGee said sheepdog trialling is his main hobby and that he is still learning, with both he and the dog teaching each other. He said training takes up evenings and weekends, and he credited his wife for being understanding. He got Chip from a neighbour's litter and said the dog responded well to commands, reaching a working standard within three or four months.

McGee said he expects some nerves at the world event but plans to enjoy the experience, acknowledging that a handler can only hope for a good day when it matters.