Meet your Donegal celebrity – the 2025 Donegal Nose of Tralee, Ghost.
Name: Ghost
County: Donegal
Age: 1
Breed: Border Collie Cross
Special Skill: That he’ll do pretty much anything for a piece of cheese
Favourite food: Cheese
Favourite Toy: A stuffed Kong
Favourite Place to Sleep: His cosy crate
Favourite Activity: Anything where he can run around
Favourite Place to go for a Walk/Hangout: the beach or the forest
Most mischievous thing you have ever done: Ooh, he can be pretty cheeky at times. usually convincing us he needs to go out for a wee when really he just wants to go for another sniff in the garden.
How did you come into your owner’s life?: Dog dad saw a post on Facebook from Clare Animal Welfare and once he showed me Ghost’s photo, I knew he was ours. We even named him before we’d even been given the thumbs up that our family had been chosen for him.
What makes you the most pawtastic pet ever? His obscene capacity for love and loyalty but also the way he’s given Casper a little bit of confidence to work through some of reactivity is pretty pawtastic.
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? We entered in 2024 and had so much fun the first time round that we wanted to try again.
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? Lots of posting in community groups and our favourite Border Collie Facebook groups. Ghost is also a dab hand at having his photo taken, so we got lots of those to share regularly.
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? Meeting everyone involved. It’s so much more than a competition but such a special community.
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your County? Just have fun. It’s easy to get caught up in the vote hunting but we met some stunning people and pooches and that’s what it’s all about.
How are you handling your newfound fame? Ghost isnt actually a massive fan of in person attention, so that was actually tricky for him but all the people we met were so wonderful in allowing him the space to feel safe.
If you could be any superhero who would you be? Ghost would have to be Moon Night
Where can your fans follows you online? You can find Ghost and his big brother on Instagram @casperandthefriendlyghost
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.
