Meet your Longford celebrity – the 2025 Longford Nose of Tralee, Nora.
Name: Nora
County: Longford
Age: 3 years old
Breed: Red Setter/Miniature Poodle Cross
Special Skill: Sparking joy! Making everyone feel they are the centre of my universe, keeping the cats in line, snuggling
Favourite Food: Cheeeeeeeese!
Favourite Toy: LambChop – the lamb, the myth, the legend. I got him when I was 4 months old. I made him stop squeaking, chewed off his ear and now he is my perfect toy.
Favourite Place to Sleep: On top of someone. Or Rachael’s bed. But when she’s mean and closes the door, the big bed in the kitchen beside the Aga. But when there’s a cat on it, the smaller bed in the kitchen. But when there’s a cat on it, the even smaller bed in the kitchen. Or on my spot on the sofa in the telly room. Anywhere really.
Favourite Activity: Snuggles, getting ready for a walk, walks, sleeping, following people around, barking to get attention. I also like learning new things from the people who come to my house – I like helping the window cleaner, the plumber, the gardeners – anyone really
Favourite Place To Go For A Walk/Hangout: Walks: Edenmore Bog. I run and run and run and run and bounce through the bog
Hangouts: Rachael’s bed, the top of the stairs, the kitchen, anywhere there are people.
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done?
“Borrowing” socks and shoes: I have borrowed many socks and shoes and put them in safe places in the garden. I can’t find an Ugg boot that I borrowed
Assisting the Cats in the Great Meat Robbery: Making off with a half leg of lamb and putting it on one of my safe places in the garden
Getting on the Kitchen Table when I was left alone: apparently it involved the alarm company and the Guards. I’d be an excellent Guard.
How Did You Come Into Your Owners Life? My family had been without a dog for the longest time – about two years, they had always had dogs but Covid, family tradegy and death of the last dog made them wary. Then they met me! One wanted a poodle (guard dog, non-shed, easy up keep), one wanted a red setter and one didn’t really care as long as it was non-shed. Over breakfast one Saturday they saw a picture of me, went to meet me and that was it.
What Makes You The Most Pawtastic Pet Ever! I spark joy! Even non-dog lovers love me. I’m the friendliest, most loving dog ever because my attitude is ‘I love you so you love me’. The world would be a better place if everyone was a Nora. My outlook on life is simple – I am good, people are good and if they aren’t move on! I made my family whole again and brought joy back to their lives.
Why Did You Decide To Enter The Nose Of Tralee? I saw the competition in 2024 and loved it. It sparks joy and I spark joy. So I signed up to the email notifications for 2025 and here I am!
How Did You Prepare For The Contest And Get Votes? I got my humans to put aaaaaaalllllll the pictures she has of me to us. They canvassed for votes using the social media posts on WhatsApp – direct messages and groups. They posted daily on Instagram (which they learnt to use for this!) and Facebook with reminders of when and how to vote. They mentioned it at every gathering and meeting and asked in person for daily votes. They had no shame when it came to asking for votes. I just let my pictures be taken!
What Did You Enjoy Most About The Nose Of Tralee? We enjoyed every moment of the journey, from learning social media to the reaction online and the well wishes for me. It harnessed our community spirit for a really fun, cute reason. We loved seeing the other entries, the creativity of the entrants and that I got to spark joy! I loved meeting even more people and getting pets and snuggles from them
What Advice Would You Give To The Next Nose Of Your County? It’s a marathon, not a sprint! No matter how many pictures or videos you have, it isn’t enough. Read the Petsitters blog, get active on social media, learn from the other entrants and have a lot of fun along the way!
How Are You Handling Your New-Found Fame? Love it! More people to love and engage with and spark joy!
If You Could Be Any Super Hero Who Would You Be? I am a superhero! I’m Nora and I spark joy!
Where Can Your Fans Follow You Online? Ratch_M1837 for all my pupdates – Nora love to you!
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.
