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Mina - Down Nose Mina is absolutely delighted to have been crowned the Down Nose for 2023 and would love to take home the title on behalf of all the cats in Ireland. (Too many doggie winners so far! ). As a cat who doesn't even wear a collar it took a lot of treats to get a photo of her in a sash, but Mina is a very good cat and wanted to put her best face forward for County Down to do everyone proud. She keeps the house free from spiders, mice and flies and very generously leaves us gifts on the doorstep on a weekly basis. She knows the price of oil is through the roof so she keeps us warm in the winter by lying on us in bed like a fluffy cat-shaped hot water bottle. All the neighbours in the village know Mina because of her distinctive features- she definitely has a nose worthy of the title! All the other entries are so adorable, Mina is pleased to have made it so far in the competition and would like to thank Insta friends and family for all their support. Mina for Nose of Tralee!
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Florence - Fermanagh Nose Hello, I’m Flo. I’m the 2023 Fermanagh Nose of Tralee. My hoomum wrote this entry for me, using her best skills in poetry. She says that it sums up me, pretty much perfectly! I’m half Springer half Cocker, so an adorable Sprocker. I’m very good and love to please, training me is such a breeze. Sometimes I like to steal a sock or two, but I’ll always give them back to you. I’ll do anything for a treat, give paw, roll over or just look sweet. My pawrents jokingly call me Messi, as my dribbling skills with a treat ball are the best you’ll see! I love the water, especially the sea, the beach is my favourite place to be. I love dashing in and out of the ocean, my running is like poetry in motion! I also adore the Fermanagh forests and lakes, I love all the trails and for sniffaris they’re great. My nose is incredible, I can find anything you hide, especially if it’s edible! I’m so focused when I’m finding things, you can’t distract me with anything. I love to have a job to do, find it, fetch it, I’ll always help you. I love lots of snuggles and cuddles on a lap, it’s my favourite place to have a nap. I’ll greet you with a full body wiggle, woofing with a toy in my mouth to make you giggle. My enthusiasm for everything is a constant delight, no matter what the time, day or night. My zest and love of life is a joy to see, for everyone who is lucky enough to meet me. I may be small but I have a big heart, the happiness and love I bring is off the chart. I’m pretty as a rose, and hope this poetry shows, why I’d make the best Nose. So please vote for me, to be the winner of this year’s Nose of Tralee.
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Ozzy - Galway Nose Ozzy is a very brave boy. He is a rescue kitten I found and fostered at only 4 weeks old. He has an incurable liver disease. Unfortunately, cats with this diagnosis rarely live past a year old. Ozzy is now 10 months old and full of life. He is on a very strict diet as regular cat food will make him sick. I accompany him on his outdoor adventures where he loves to explore new places and smells. He never fusses when he has to take his medication twice a day every day. He's a very loveable boy and gives a high five for a treat. He is full of energy and loves to play. If Ozzy wins he will donate his prize to Galway Cat Rescue who were contacted by a neighbour to try to catch Ozzy. They paid for his vet bills when he had to be sent to a vet specialist to see if he could have an operation to help. Its when we got the bad news that I decided to adopt him. Though he has a short life expectancy he has already played such an important role in my life. I found him the day after my father's funeral (who was also a cat lover and rescued many strays). Ozzy has kept me busy and active with the special attention he needs, and of course, with all the love he shows me every day. Always greeting me when I arrive home with a little head bump. Ozzy would love to win to help other homeless cats.
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Fudge - Kerry Nose Fudge is my best friend and companion. He changed my life after I found myself at a crossroads. I had been living and working in Dublin for 30 years, the pandemic hit, and I returned to Co Kerry to help with my elderly parents. I soon realised that family and a very special little dog, it’s Kerry where I should be. I think Fudge should win because he gives me lots of happiness and love, I never knew I existed.