'He brings the family so much joy with all the antics he gets up to!'

A lovable pup from Malin Town is competing ‘fur’ the top prize in this year’s Nose of Tralee contest.

Murphy, a one year old Jack Russell cross, was chosen as Donegal’s representative in the national pet competition which is run by Pet Sitters Ireland.

Murphy – the Donegal Nose!

Cats, dogs, horses and even a pig have competed in the contest that is decided by online public vote.

Murphy has a ‘ruff’ competition ahead as he is up against 31 other Nose county champions. Public voting runs until 5pm on Tuesday 27th August.

Marylouise Mc Closkey is Murphy’s proud owner and is calling on Donegal to get behind him and vote.

“Voting is free and people can vote every 24 hours on http://wshe.es/4yFWQBNA,” Marylouise said.

And the duo will be having their first TV moment this Saturday 24th August on Weekend AM. The Donegal, Meath and Longford ‘Noses’ will be featured on the programme and Marylouise is looking forward to the appearance.

She said: “Being on tv will be the cherry on top of this amazing journey and no matter what the outcome on Tuesday night it’s been great fun and we’ve had a laugh.”

Marylouise McCloskey with Murphy – the 2019 Donegal Nose of Tralee

 

Murphy has brought joy to many people since he arrived in Donegal, Marylouise said: “Last September we picked him up in Cavan and took him home in an ALDI beer box. Since then he’s grown up into a mischievous little devil but he brings the family so much joy with all the antics he gets up to!”

What makes Murphy a pawsitively great candidate is his personality. According to Marylouise, he “loves long walks, rolling in grass and he is so affectionate always trying to lick your face and give people kisses. 

“He has jaws of steel and will chew anything he gets his little paws on like socks, toys, big sticks he brings in from outside and even the floor, only he can’t get it lifted high enough.”

Murphy recently celebrated his first birthday in style, with a cake featuring his puppy picture, a piñata was stuffed with dog treats and pass the parcel with dog toys.

If you’d like to help Murphy become Ireland’s Nose of Tralee winner, all you have to do is cast a free vote on the Pet Sitters Ireland Facebook page here: http://wshe.es/4yFWQBNA