Dougal to represent Offaly at the Nose of Tralee!

Dougal, a rescue dog now living with his loving family in Birr, has been voted as the Offaly Nose of Tralee for 2023.

Karla Finnegan from Birr entered her dog Dougal after seeing an advertisement for the Nose of Tralee on Facebook.

Dougal was rescued two years ago, and since his “ruff start to life”, he has “come on leaps and bounds. He's a happy, confident, and silly guy who loves meeting new people, playing hand paw, and chilling out with his bother Alan the cat.”

One of the new people that Dougal has met recently was his namesake, Fr Dougal McGuire, also known as Ardal O'Hanlon!

Karla revealed that while they were on holiday in Tory Island in Donegal, Ardal O'Hanlon happened to be filming there as well. By a stroke of luck, one of Ardal's producers came over to ask about their dog, and Karla was able to explain Dougal's backstory and grab an adorable picture.

That wasn't the only exciting event for Dougal recently. He also had a photoshoot in his Nose of Tralee sash at Bellefield House gardens in Shinrone.

The Nose of Tralee, which is sponsored by Pet Sitters Ireland and Tesco, is now in its 10th year.

Dougal was voted by the public to represent Offaly, and voting for the final is now open. Anyone can vote, and all voting takes place online at Pet Sitters Ireland's website. People can cast one vote per day. The winner will be announced on August 22.

The winner of the Nose of Tralee gets a €250 Pet Sitting and Dog Walking voucher, a €500 Tesco voucher, and a photoshoot with David Macauley Photography.