Meet your Kildare celebrity – the 2024 Kildare Nose of Tralee, Danann.
Name: Danann
County: Kildare
Age: 3
Breed: Mini Dachshund
Special Skill: Singing, begging & making people smile
Favourite Food: Chicken or toast Grandad shares with me in the morning (don’t tell Mom!)
Favourite Toy: My blue squeaky bone
Favourite Place to Sleep: Upside-down in the sun
Favourite Activity: Eating, eating & eating!
Favourite Place To Go For A Walk/Hangout: Down the canal & sometimes I even plop myself in to the water for a swim!
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done? There have been many! I ate a telephone wire, an electric blanket wire & lots of slippers, but most recently I ate a chocolate croissant & had to go to the vet for an injection…that wasn’t fun…but the croissant was yummy!
How Did You Come Into Your Owners Life? Mom always wanted a mini dachshund, but she never bit the bullet. She was sick in hospital in 2020 and her the doctor at the time told her she definitely deserved a dachshund after all she had been through with her health, so that was her sign to get me! I came into her life at 8 weeks old as a tiny puppy and we have been best friends ever since!
What Makes You The Most Pawtastic Pet Ever! I look after my Mom and make her laugh and smile every day. I am also a mini mascot for the young stroke survivors at the Irish Heart Foundation and have taken part in fundraisers for the organisation to give back for all they have done and continue to do to help my Mom with her recovery.
Why Did You Decide To Enter The Nose Of Tralee? To raise awareness of young stroke survivors and how stroke effect anyone at any age.
How Did You Prepare For The Contest And Get Votes? Word of mouth with family & friends. Using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Posters, visiting local pet shops, groomers and vets. We also did an interview on our local radio station.
What Did You Enjoy Most About The Nose Of Tralee? Meeting new friends both on & offline. Taking lots of photos and aaaaaallll the treats!!
What Advice Would You Give To The Next Nose Of Your County? Have lots of fun and enjoy the limelight! Use social media and be persistent with the media.
How Are You Handling Your New-Found Fame? I love it, I was a covid puppy, so this new-found fame has definitely helped to make me more social, which my Mom thinks is fantastic. I’m really enjoying letting new people pet me now & I’m not as nervous. I’m loving the attention & affection.
If You Could Be Any Super Hero Who Would You Be? Deadpool
Where Can Your Fans Follow You Online? On Instagram you can follow me @danann_an_ispin_beag
Kate McQuillan is the co-founder of Pet Sitters Ireland, an award-winning pet sitting and dog walking company established in 2010 with her husband, Michael. Together, they support thousands of pet owners across Ireland with trusted, in-home pet care. With over 14 years of experience, Kate shares practical advice to help pet owners feel confident and prepared when it comes to their pet’s care.
