Name: Barney McKenna
County: Clare 💛💙
Age: 23 months
Breed: Pygmy Goat
Special Skill: Getting myself into mischief, finding food wherever it may be hiding, and looking completely innocent afterwards! 😂
Favourite Food: Shredded carrots and apples 🥕🍎
Favourite Toy: I don’t really have a favourite toy… but my little brother Baaaanjo is my favourite partner in crime! 🐐❤️
Favourite Place to Sleep: In my big comfy bed of straw, with my little brother Baaaanjo close by. 🥰
Favourite Activity: Eating, playing and puckin’ Baaaanjo! 😂🐐
Favourite Place to go for a Walk/Hangout: The paddock — it’s my kingdom! I can roam around, eat, investigate and make sure everything is running smoothly.
Most mischievous thing you have ever done: I’m a goat… there’s far too many to pick just one! 😂 If there’s something I’m not supposed to eat, climb on or investigate, I’ll find it. And I’ll usually bring Baaaanjo along for the adventure!
How did you come into your owner’s life? My mammy always wanted a pygmy goat, so she went to Galway and got me — the actual GOAT! 🐐😂 Little did she know she wasn’t just getting a pet… she was getting a new member of the family who would completely take over the place!
What makes you the most hooftastic pet ever? I’m handsome, hilarious, loving and full of personality. I keep my family entertained every single day, and I’ve got my little brother Baaaanjo by my side. What more could you ask for? 💚🐐
Why did you decide to enter the Nose of Tralee? Sure look at me! 😂 I’ve got the looks, the personality AND the nose for finding carrots and apples. I thought Clare had to have another goat representing them!
How did you prepare for the contest and get votes? My training was very demanding — lots of carrots, apples, posing for photographs, playing with Baaaanjo and practising my best handsome face. 😎🐐 My mammy took care of getting the votes while I focused on the important work!
What did you enjoy most about the Nose of Tralee? Finding out how many people were willing to support me and seeing everyone getting behind their favourite little goat from Clare. It was brilliant! 💛💙🐐
What advice would you give to the next Nose of your County? Be yourself, be cheeky, keep your nose held high and NEVER say no to a carrot. 🥕😂 And always bring your little brother along for moral support!
How are you handling your newfound fame? I’m handling it very well, thank you! I’m still enjoying my straw bed, my carrots, my apples and plenty of time with Baaaanjo. Fame hasn’t changed me… although I wouldn’t say no to a few extra treats! 😂
If you could be any superhero who would you be? The Incredible Hulk! 💚 Because if anyone tries to take away my carrots, apples or Baaaanjo, things could get serious! 😂🐐
Where can your fans follow you online? Follow my adventures online to keep up with me, Baaaanjo and all the mischief we get up to here in Clare! 🐐💛💙 on Instagram baaaanjo_pygmy_goat
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.
