Top dog Wool Monarch

RECENTLY announced as the new Sheepvention Wool and Rural Monarch is Ian O’Connell, whose involvement with the event goes back nearly 20 years. Initially believing the honour to be a prank, the kelpie expert was thrilled to be considered in the company of past winners. Photo: GLENN GUY.

By Mark Rabich

August 04, 2023 | 4:00 PM

BEING crowned the new ‘Wool and Rural Monarch’ for Sheepvention for the next two years was a great surprise for legendary local dog trainer, Ian O’Connell, who’s still coming to terms with even being considered for the title.

“It was (an) absolute shock when they (The Spectator) contacted me,” he said.