Meet your Laois celebrity – the 2022 Laois Nose of Tralee, Winnie.
Name: Winnie
County: Laois
Age: Approx 13-14
Breed: Terrier mix
Special Skill: Driving and singing
Favourite Food: Anything I can get my paws on.
Favourite Toy: Tennis ball
Favourite Place to Sleep: In bed with my mammy and daddy
Favourite Activity: Stealing food from unguarded picnics on the beach
Favourite Place To Go For A Walk/Hangout: Barleycove Beach, West Cork
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done? Stole mammys sandwich when she wasn’t looking!
How Did You Come Into Your Owners Life? My daddy rescued me and my siblings from a wheelie bin. I was supposed to be only staying until I found a forever home as mammy said- “mother of god, we’ve 6 dogs already, can’t take in another one” when daddy brought me home….but I’d won her over in a matter of hours and that was 12 years ago!
What Makes You The Most Pawtastic Pet Ever! I’ve the best temperament ever. I never get cross and I just looooove everyone I meet. I’m also great craic- so mammy and daddy tell me!
Why Did You Decide To Enter The Nose Of Tralee? I just thought I’d like to enter to show that, even if you come from a bad start in life, once you are loved and treasured like I am, then you can achieve anything you want!
How Did You Prepare For The Contest And Get Votes? I was very nervous at first but mammy was very positive and supportive. All of my mammys friends on social media know me and love me so they spread the word to their friends and- lo and behold- I became the Laois Nose. The excitement was indescribable. I performed the odd little song every few days and our two local newspapers took up my story. I actually got to like the fame!
What Did You Enjoy Most About The Nose Of Tralee? The best part of the Nose of Tralee was meeting the other contestants and their human pets online! But I have to say, I really got to love the fuss and fame that came with it.
What Advice Would You Give To The Next Nose Of Your County? Eh- I’m hoping the next Nose of my County will be me??? Am I allowed say that???
How Are You Handling Your New-Found Fame? I’m loving the fame – I’ve been bitten by the publicity bug- so much so that I’m thinking of running for the Dàil!
If You Could Be Any Super Hero Who Would You Be? My mammy💕