A BALLYBOFEY man and his faithful Border Collie are aiming for success at this year’s World Sheepdog Trial.
James P McGee (52) and Roeldog Becca won the singles title at the National Sheep Dog Trials in Roscommon last year and are now heading to the world championship.
A sheep and cattle farmer, James will be competing at Huntington Farm near Lauder in The Scottish Borders from September 16-20 with four-year-old Roeldog Becca and reserve dog Glencregg Silver.
James said: “Roeldog Becca has a super temperament, super qualities and is super talented and is a one in a million dog.”
“I have had some very successful dogs over the years. In the same way that no two people are the same, the dogs are the same; they are all unique with their own characteristics, and individual way with working stock, Roeldog Becca rises to the big occasions. In 2023 she was ninth in the World Trials, at just 19 months.”
James came to the sport of competitive trialling late, aged 30, but a lifetime of sheep farming on the family Farm, Glencregg Farm, has stood him in good stead. He has had a distinguished international career covering two decades.
He has been crowned Irish National Champion multiple times and represented Ireland at the World Trial six times. He is a previous World Champion in 2011 at Lowther Estate in Cumbria, winning with Becca.
James said: “I always had an interest in the working sheepdog; I grew up watching One Man and his Dog on a Sunday evening. I went to watch the International in Seaford in Co Down, Ireland, in 2002, and was hooked from that day. Some people are into golf and others football, but I am into sheepdog trialing. “
He most recently claimed victory at the 2025 Irish National Sheep Dog Trials in Roscommon. This win earned him the Captaincy of the Irish international team for the second time, leading a team of 23 competitors.
“I see it as an Honour and privilege to represent my Country at International and World level. It is an extra honour to captain the team; there is no extra pressure, as I am always part of the team, but I do want to perform my best,” said James.
The World Trial is in the Scottish Borders and is a real homecoming for the Border Collie breed, coming to an area intrinsically linked with shepherding.
“For me, Border Collies are practical work dogs first, and they transfer these skills onto the trial field, but the natural talent has to be there in the first place,” said James.
“I feel that the Irish Team have a very good chance of performing well at the World. The Irish Won the World Team event in 2023. So Ireland is home to some of the best dogs and handlers in the world.
The triennial sheepdog trial has attracted the most elite dogs and their handlers from 34 different countries right across the world, all vying to be crowned World Champion.
“Some fantastic handlers and dogs are coming from all over the World to Scotland in September. I am going to give it my best, but we need some luck on the day, particularly with the sheep. You are only as good as your last Trial.”
James and Roeldog Becca will be in action along with more than 300 handlers and dogs from 34 nations, competing to be crowned world champions. The Sheep Dog World Trial event takes place at Huntington Farm near Lauder from September 16-20. Tickets are £10 for adults, with free entry for under-16s and parking £5. The full programme and tickets are available now at www.sheepdogworldtrial.com.