
Limerick-based feline Ollie is set to represent his home county in this yearโs Nose of Tralee, an annual competition to find the countryโs favourite furry friend, and he’s purr-litely asked Limerick Post readers for their support.ย
In his appeals to the Limerick public, black tomcat Ollie mewed, โthis black panther could use some support, itโd be great to be crowned best petโ.
Organised by Pet Sitters Ireland, the annual Nose of Tralee competition is dedicated to celebrating the love that pet owners have for their furry friends. The event often sees stiff competition from dogs, cats, and even donkeys nationwide.
When asked about the support he receives from his adoring campaign manager Martina, the mischievous Ollie says:
โSheโs a great helper. She keeps my room clean and my fur shiny.โ
โWhen I do something bad, she calls for โOliverโ. I have no clue who that is, but Iโm glad he gets the wrap and not me.โ
Ollie and Martina announced recently on Facebook that, if they take home the prestigious prize, all winnings will be donated to local charity Limerick Feral Cats.
Ollieโs mum Martina has been volunteering with Limerick Feral Cats for almost seven years, helping the charityโs founder Mary Mollica improve the lives of feral felines across the city and county.
Speaking on her experience with the local cat advocacy group, Martina said:
โThe rewarding part of it is seeing the difference we can make to a feralโs life by just neutering them and having a carer to feed them every day and keep an eye on them.โ
Limerick Feral Cats provide food, shelter, and sometimes re-homing for feral cats and kittens, as well as helping in ongoing neutering and population control efforts in connection with local vets.
According to the feline, black cats are always the last to be adopted, so to be chosen to represent Limerick is a big deal for him. Black cats, Ollie says, donโt photograph very well โ though he obviously doesnโt agree.
Limerick Post readers have until Sunday 22 to vote for Ollie in the Nose of Tralee competition. Votes can be cast on https://www.petsittersireland.com/vote-nose/