Meet your Clare celebrity – the 2025 Clare Nose of Tralee, Baaaanjo.
Name: Baaaanjo
County: Clare up the baaaaaanner
Age: 9 months
Breed: Pygmy Goat
Special Skill: My special skill? I can make anyone smile within seconds—whether it’s with a perfectly timed bleat, a cheeky head bump, or just my general adorable chaos. Basically, I turn frowns upside down wherever I go! 😆
Favourite food: My favourite food? Anything I can nibble with style—but if I had to choose, it’s a perfect mix of crunchy grass and the occasional cheeky apple. Gotta keep it classy, and watch my figure you know! 🐐😆
Favourite Toy: My favourite toy? Oh, that’s easy—anything I can turn into a mini adventure! Whether it’s a squeaky ball, a runaway sock, or even a leaf that thinks it can escape me—I chase, pounce, and conquer like the fearless goat I am. Basically, every toy is a tiny kingdom waiting for me to rule!
Favourite Place to Sleep: My favourite place to sleep? Anywhere that screams ‘ultimate goat comfort’—a sunny patch of grass, a pile of hay fit for a king, or even on top of something I’m not supposed to be on. Bonus points if I can sneak a nap while secretly keeping an eye on all the action… because a well-rested goat is a world-conquering goat!
Favourite Activity: My favourite activity? Anything that involves adventure, mischief, or making people laugh! Whether it’s leaping over hay bales, sneaking a snack, or showing off my signature goat dance moves, I’m always up for a good time.
Favourite Place to go for a Walk/Hangout: My favourite place to go for a walk? Anywhere I can turn an ordinary stroll into a grand adventure! Fields to leap across, bushes to inspect, friends to surprise, and the occasional snack to claim as treasure—basically, any place where I can strut, snack, and show off my goat greatness all at once.
Most mischievous thing you have ever done: The most mischievous thing I’ve ever done? Oh, that’s easy—I once staged a full-on snack heist, sneaking into the kitchen, dodging humans, and making off with a whole stash of carrots and apples. Let’s just say… I was victorious, and the humans are still talking about it!
How did you come into your owner’s life? How did I come into my owner’s life? Well, Baaaarney was lonely after losing his big sister, so our goat mam set out to find him a companion. She picked my two brothers first, but they didn’t make it—leaving me, the tiniest, fluffiest contender. As soon as she saw me, I used my secret weapon: irresistible cuteness. One look at my fluffy little face, and I had her wrapped around my tail! From that moment on, I became the ruler of hearts, snacks, and couch spots—basically, her world revolves around me now.
What makes you the most hooftastic pet ever? Because I’m not just a pet! I’m a full-time comedian on hooves! 🐐 From plotting daring escapes that would put Houdini to shame, to demanding cuddles with the kind of stubborn charm only a goat can pull off, I’ve got personality by the bucketload. Add in my stylish beard, cheeky grin, and the way I strut like I own the place, and you’ve got the most hooftastic companion anyone could dream of. 💚👑
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? I entered the Nose of Tralee because Ireland deserves to see my handsome hooves and glorious beard on the big stage. Plus, let’s be honest, I was born to strut a sash!”🐐👑
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? I prepared by practicing my best poses in the mirror (well… the water trough) and perfecting my goatwalk down the garden. As for votes – I put my humans to work as my campaign managers while I worked the charm offensive with cuddles, head tilts, and the occasional dramatic bleat for attention! 🐐
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? The best part was all the attention, obviously! I got to show off my beard, strut in my sash, and convince Ireland that goats really are the G.O.A.T. 🐐
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your County? Always work the camera angles, keep your sash clean, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed bleat. Oh, and snacks… bring lots of snacks!
How are you handling your newfound fame? I’m handling fame like a true star – demanding belly rubs, head scratches and posing for the paparazzi (a.k.a. my humans), and making sure the neighbours don’t forget I’m a big deal by practicing my ‘celebrity bleat’ daily.
If you could be any superhero who would you be? “The Bearded Avenger” – fights evil with a glorious beard and the occasional dramatic bleat.
Where can your fans follows you online? Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/baaaanjo_pygmy_goat?igsh=YTJ0Y29ob2F4aG4y
TikTok: tiktok.com/@maddydunne
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.
