Dunmore pooch vying to be top Nose of Tralee
Voting opens on July 24
A DOG from Dunmore will be vying to fight off the competition of 27 dogs, three cats and a goat to be named the 2026 Nose of Tralee.
The Nose of Tralee is Ireland’s largest pet competition and has been running for 13 years. All pets are welcome to enter be they dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters or horses with over 1800 entries received nationwide.
They have been whittled down to just 32, one from each county, with Honey, a golden doodle owned by Joanne Wright, set to represent Galway.
“After a public vote Honey was left in the top three for Galway, then it was up to a judging panel to decide the Galway winner,” explained Joanne, who lives in Shanballymore on the outskirts of Dunmore.
“I had to do a write up on Honey, so the judges got a feel for her personality. Just like the Rose of Tralee, it’s not all about looks and beauty. Luckily, I was able to get across just how loving and sociable Honey is and that helped her out.”
The nine-month-old puppy has become a vital companion to Joanne, especially after the death of her two previous pets and provides her with company and friendship. Honey loves being outside, and hates being left alone, thriving whenever anyone takes the time to play or interact with her.
Joanne describes her golden doodle as having movie-star looks, but it’s her personality that truly stands out. She is part comedian, part therapist, part professional sock thief, an excellent hole digger and full-time best friend for Joanne.
The overall winner of the Nose of Tralee will be decided by a public vote, which opens on Friday July 24 and closes on Tuesday August 18 when the winner will be revealed.
“It is going to be a very stiff competition. Each entrant has already started social media pages for their pets and are working on media campaigns to help their pet take home the title,” added Joanne.
“I hope people will support Honey in the competition. She is such an adorable pup and has been a great help for me. My husband runs a beekeeping supplies shop, so is away a lot and I really do love having Honey for company when I’m left alone. It keeps me occupied.
“We never expected to get this far. I only entered the competition as it looked fun, but I will be working hard over the next few weeks to do everything in my power to help Honey win. It would be great to put a small rural place like Shanballymore on the map by winning,” she concluded.