Over 1500 pets entered the 2023 Nose of Tralee – and it wasn’t just cats and dogs who entered. We had entries from horses, cows, chickens and even a hairless rat.
54,500 votes decided who the top 3 pets were in each county (based on their votes)
And our judges (Tara Flynn, Lorna Sixsmith and David MCauly) had the difficult task of selecting the final 32.
The 32 Finalists then battled it out on social media, in person, on TV and in their local community to get votes for their Noses.
And now based on the public vote we get to crown the Nose of Tralee 2023 Winner and Runner Up.
2023 Nose Of Tralee Winner Announced
Meet Your 2023 Nose of Tralee Winner – Stitch, Co Limerick Nose
Stitch is a one year old Maltichon from Limerick. He is so proud to be representing Limerick in this years Nose of Tralee.
Stitch came into my life August 2022, three months after I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. I wasn’t coping well with my diagnosis so we decided I needed a new companion in my life! He was my first ever dog. He was by my side throughout my whole chemotherapy.
I was losing my hair but that didn’t matter to him. He still loved me for me. I ended up shaving my head in October. I was afraid he wouldn’t recognise me or even want to be near me but that didn’t matter to him. He could see how hard it was for me to process and he comforted me through it.
Stitch is such a happy, outgoing dog. He loves treats and biccies. He loves going to his favourite pet shops in Limerick and getting spoilt rotten. He loves the outdoors. When I leave the room, he is behind the door waiting for me to come back. He is such a character (especially in front of the camera with his tongue out!)
Stitch is named after my favourite Disney movie/TV show, Lilo and Stitch. Stitch’s Birthday is on the 26th of June. Little did I know that he was born on Stitch day! (626 day) He was destined to be called Stitch 😍
Stitch saved my life when I was going through my cancer diagnosis. He is my best friend. I would be lost without him. I wouldn’t have gotten through this last year if it wasn’t for Stitch.
Stitch deserves to win the Nose of Tralee 2023 because he is the most loyal dog I’ve ever met. He is always by my side (with his tail wagging!). He is truly the best. He is the best Limerick supporter around! He was so happy to see Limerick win 4-in-a-row in the All Ireland Hurling Final!
Meet Your 2023 Nose of Tralee Runner Up – Winston, Co Louth Nose
Winston is a 5 year old Aussalier (mini Australian shepherd X King Charles Cavalier). He was rehomed to me while living in Canada in 2020, where he enjoyed the beaches and mountains of Vancouver.
Last August, Winston suddenly lost his eyesight and quickly developed glaucoma which caused a lot of pain. After many doctors visits and some overnight stays in the animal hospital he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Uveodermatologic Syndrome, and the following week he had emergency surgery to remove his eyes.
After a speedy recovery we flew back to Ireland. He adapted very quickly to life as a blind dog and he still loves the beach and hiking in the mountains. He has been busy exploring the wee county and meeting friends and family since September and we are delighted that he has been chosen to be the Louth Nose 2023.
Why should you vote for Winston? We asked friends and family:
‘Best boy in all of the land’
‘He never let his disability affect him even in the height of his sickness. He’s a great companion to everyone in our house.😁’
‘He’s a rouge that can manipulate everyone! 😂🐶’
‘He’s a purebred good boy’
‘Keeps all the seats in the sitting room warm for everyone!!’
‘Doesn’t let his disability affect him, he’s a very brave boy!’
‘He never lets any food go to waste #zerowasteking’
‘Because despite having a very traumatic condition that caused him to lose his eyes, he bounced back, found his way without his sight, travelled home from Vancouver without incident and has become an important member of our family. His other senses, especially scent/smell have heightened enormously so he doesn’t miss out on life and enjoys himself.🐶’
‘He’s the bravest, smartest, cuddliest, cutest, cleverest boy there ever lived!’
The winner will receive prizes from Sponsors Pet Sitters Ireland, Tesco Ireland and David McAuley Photography
Winners Prize
- Title Of Nose of Tralee 2023
- 200 euro Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Voucher
- Photo Shoot with David McAuley Photography including canvas image
- 500 Euro Tesco Voucher
Runners Up Prize
- 100 euro Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Voucher
- 150 Euro Tesco Voucher
For More Information About The Nose Of Tralee Visit www.Petsittersireland.Com/Nose-Of-Tralee/
