Holly – Meath Nose Of Tralee Winner 2021
Name: Holly
County: Meath
Age: 15 and 8 months (birthday 15th of Dec, 2005)
Breed: Labrador
Special Skill: Tail wagging. Holly was never the sharpest knife in the drawer and had a tendency to get her commands mixed up i.e. give the paw instead of ‘go around’, whatever was easiest so she would get a treat quicker
Favourite Food: She’s a lab so that’s easy….. anything
Favourite Toy: Never one for toys, in her younger days she might have chased a ball every now and again. Her brother at the time Archie always was faster so then she just did not bother.
Favourite Place to Sleep: In her own red bed with her blankies
Favourite Activity: Nowadays she loves to go for a nose about outside our house, have a wander on the green and a good old sniff about. In her younger years she loved the water, rivers and sea, even big puddles she loved to slop around in them.
Favourite Place To Go For A Walk/Hangout: never too far from home these days and her favourite spot is on the rug in our living room hanging out with all the family, that’s me and dada, Theo, George and Harry!
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done? She stole dadas dinner from the counter once when he was starving…. She is a lab! One St Patricks Day I walked into the kitchen and there she was with 3 boxes of chocolates between her paws ready for a feast. She was disappointed no doubt when they were all confiscated.
How Did You Come Into Your Owners Life? We went to Scotland to get Holly when she was 8 weeks old. Her brother Archie had already arrived a week previously, he was 10 weeks old. They met and were never parted for almost 15 years. Archie passed away last Oct and Holly really missed him but thankfully our rescue George and lots of TLC and reassurance helped her through a difficult time for all of us.
What Makes You The Most Pawtastic Pet Ever! Holly has always been the most laid back and friendly dog. One of my friends who had kennels said of Holly after she had her for a stay in the kennels ‘She is always so grateful for everything I do for her’ and this is so true, always ready to give you a friendly nudge, a little lick or just stand by your side, her way of saying ‘thanks and I love you too’.
Why Did You Decide To Enter The Nose Of Tralee? Well truth be told, George was entered first as he is a handsome boy and then I decided to enter Holly so she wouldn’t feel left out!
How Did You Prepare For The Contest And Get Votes? I set up a FB page for Holly when she got to the final and constantly updated the page every day with something new. Franco designed some posters and we put them up in the village where we live, Ratoath, Co. Meath. I posted on all the local notice boards across several different towns in Meath and I sent messages (annoyingly) to all my Whats App Groups regularly and was given out to by a friend for sending them too early 😊.
What Did You Enjoy Most About The Nose Of Tralee? Seeing the engagement of people across the world, reconnecting with friends I had not spoken to in ages but the best thing was seeing the out pouring of love for my dear old girl. It was truly heart-warming.
What Advice Would You Give To The Next Nose Of Your County? Social Media all the way! Regular updates and enjoy it!
How Are You Handling Your New-Found Fame? All in our stride – we enjoyed the competition, never expected to win as we wouldn’t win an argument in this house so we are enjoying the win now too. Celebration in our house at the weekend with my two demoted campaign managers! Great fun!
If You Could Be Any Super Hero Who Would You Be? Holly is a Super Hero already!
What does is mean to you to be the Winner Up of the Nose of Tralee? Its amazing, I was in total shock at the announcement and was stuck to the floor. After all the weeks of campaigning it was so lovely to be able to tell everyone she actually had won. Must say I was very emotional and cried because I know Holly is in her twilight years and every day is a special day (as well as a Hollyday!) with her. It has been such fun over the last few weeks and it will always give us a wonderful legacy and happy memories with our best girl. Go Holly ❤
