Meet your Mayo celebrity – the 2025 Mayo Nose of Tralee, Buddy.
Name: Buddy
County: Mayo
Age: 12 or 13 approx – unsure
Breed: Mixed
Special skill: The ability to sense when the stools haven’t been pulled back from the breakfast bar, and then he pulls himself up onto the stool, and up onto the counter and goes to sleep!
Favourite food: Roast Chicken
Favourite toy: Doesn’t have one
Favourite place to sleep: Breakfast Bar! (Not Allowed) or a Cardboard Box
Favourite activity: Sleeping!
Favourite place to hang out: Outside his house!
Most mischievous thing ever done: Nothing! He is so good!!
How did you come into owner’s life? Abandoned by former family when they moved house and left me behind. I was wandering the greenway and I was picked up by a kind lady who contacted the North West SPCA Ballina. They put me up on their Facebook page and Jane spotted my beautiful face! (I had one eye back then.) She contacted the rescue, and the rest is history!
What makes you the most pawtastic pet ever? I am very affectionate and loving. I give my family little kisses on their hands.
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? Because my human knew I had star qualities!
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? LOTS and LOTS of social media updates on FB, Insta and TikTok! Messaged family and friends daily. Contacted local radio and newspapers.
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? Meeting new people and making new friends.
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your county? Set up profiles on social media for your pets.
How are you handling your new-found fame? I’m taking it all in my stride!
If you could be any superhero who would you be? Superman (Supercat!)
Where can your fans follow you online? Facebook, Insta, TikTok – Buddy The Blind Cat
What does it mean to be the runner up in the Nose of Tralee? It means so much to me and my family. As a senior, blind, rescue cat, I never dreamed that I would be “famous.” Never give up on your dreams.
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.
