Patrick up for Nose of Tralee

Voting is now open for the Nose of Tralee finalists. From tail wagging dogs to confident cats and even a goat – pet lovers across the country are showing up in force to support their favourite furry friends. The competition, run by Pet Sitters Ireland and now in its 12th year, celebrates the unique charm and personality of pets from all 32 counties of Ireland.

Cavan is represented by Patrick the Cat. When he was just 6 weeks old, Patrick was discovered last summer crying, stuck up in a tree. “Patrick was so tiny when we first saw him. He fit into my hand perfectly. When we met him, he meowed, curled up in my hand, and fell asleep. That’s how quickly he can get cosy,” recalls Maria Braun.

Maria and her husband have given the foundling a home in Mullagh. One that he has embraced – and occupied with cuddles and adorable purs.

Maria, who follows the Rose of Tralee competition ardently, stumbled across the ‘Nose of Tralee’ competition on social media. “I thought it was hilarious and said I’ll give it a go.” She didn’t even realise Patrick had made it into the semi-finals until she saw a video with him in it. That the jury later voted their cat as finalist representing Cavan flatters her. "The organisers were very good, they sent a care package with County bandana and even a sash."

Since then, the excitement has spread to her family, friends and neighbours, all clicking online for Patrick the “master of cosy”. People can vote once every 24h people, so every vote counts. “My husband’s mother is a catlover and she is keeping the votes going, also rallying up the neighbours,” says Maria laughing.

From the get-go, Patrick loved climbing – in the house this means scaling the curtains and curtain rails. Coming down, however, required figuring out where to step and how to descend safely."Because he was so tiny when we got him, there was a lot his mummy couldn't have shown him. And we took over this part. He loves to learn from us and he is very drawn to us because of this.”

Voting is open until August 18 and simply done simple on www.petsittersireland.com/nose-2025/ The winner will be announced on August 19 live on social media.

Maria, the biggest advocate for her cat, says: “He deserves to be the Nose of Tralee, because he is not just a cat, he is THE cat you would love to have living with you.”