Meet your Lonogford celebrity – the 2026 Longford Nose of Tralee, Alfie.
Name: Alfie
County: Longford
Age: 17 months
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Special Skill: When I want to get my own way, I adopt the cutest face I can do my daddies can’t resist. This works for everything; treats, walkies and sleeping in the spare human bed.
Favourite toy: A plushie, squeaky bag of shrimp crisps. I have tried to eat them but they are pretty flavourless!
Favourite activity: Walking, chasing butterflies, hunting spiders, rolling in piles of leaves and getting lots of attention!
Favourite place to go for a walk/hangout: Woofland in Co. Longford.
Most Mischievous Thing You Have Ever Done: When I was just 5 months old, my daddies were going to a concert they’d been looking forward to for a long time! They set up a camera to keep an eye on me while waiting for family to come stay with me. I fell into such an absolute coma-level sleep from lots of treats and walkies. Daddy checked on me on the camera and thought I looked very still. I refused to move or respond to them calling me through the camera for over 20 minutes until they panicked, sped home and missed their bus to the concert. When they got back? I greeted them at the door very refreshed, tail wagging and happy to see them. What? I was asleep, honest!
What makes you the most pawtastic pet ever? I’m an expressive, professional, Velcro dog. Between my dramatic eyebrows, my signature side eye and the way I carry my favourite blanky to bed when the day is done, I bring a whole load of personality and joy to my family.
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? Simple – to show everyone that Longford has the most stylish, crazy and charismatic miniature schnauzer around. That and when my Daddy had his adult grape juice, he thought the world would want to see my daily adventures too!
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? We designed flyers, posters and business cards to hand out to family, friends, colleagues and local businesses. Alongside that, we lead a campaign heavily focused on utilising social media. This included posting daily on Facebook, on my Instagram and messaging through WhatsApp groups to family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. All were blessed with daily reminders to vote!
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? The Nose of Tralee is a light-hearted escape from a sometimes very bleak world. It was a great reminder of the love that people have for their pets and equally the love pets bring to their families and others every single day. We got to know so many amazing contestants and owners through the campaign, both past and present. Almost every conversation we have had since voting opened has been about this contest! The whole thing is just truly wholesome and genuinely amazing.
What advice would you give to the next nose of your county? Work those angles for the camera. Lean into your unique quirks and make people laugh. Talk to people both face to face and online. Never miss an opportunity to bring your furry friend into a conversation. Every single vote counts!
How are you handling your new found fame? Like a true celebrity of course! I’m posing gracefully for the Instagram feed to keep the content flowing and regularly demanding extra chicken treats for my hard work.
If you could be any superhero who would you be? The Flash, so I could sprint across Woofland and catch those pesky birds!
Where can your fans follow you online? You can keep up with my daily shenanigans over on my Instagram @mini.schnalfie
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.
