Teddy, a Setterdoodle from Co. Clare, has represented the county at the Petmania Puppy of the Year 2026 Grand Final, joining 25 fellow county finalists following a competition that attracted 1,414 entries nationwide.
Owned by Diarmuid O’Callaghan, Teddy attended the Grand Final at Pet Expo at the National Show Centre in Dublin on Saturday, 17th October. Hosted by Eurovision legend and animal welfare advocate Linda Martin, the event brought together the finalists, their families and the Petmania team to celebrate the puppies.
An affectionate puppy who loves playing and making friends, Teddy attracts plenty of attention on walks and enjoys spending time with other dogs at daycare. According to Diarmuid, the only time Teddy has ever barked was when a field of cows gave him a fright.
Speaking about Teddy’s personality and what inspired him to enter the competition, owner Diarmuid O’Callaghan said:
“We saw the ad for Petmania Puppy of the Year in Petmania Limerick store and they encouraged us to enter. Teddy is the most affectionate puppy. He loves to play and be rubbed. Everyone stops to say hi to him when on walks. He loves people and other dogs. He loves his doggy daycare. The only time he has ever barked is at a field of cows who scared him!”
He added: “For anyone considering a puppy, my advice is: think long and hard and be prepared for the work that’s involved also.”
Teddy competed in the Munster category alongside Goose, a Sprocker from Fermoy, Co. Cork, owned by Emma Heffernan; Theo, a French Bulldog–Collie mix from Co. Kerry, owned by Jason O’Sullivan and entered by his sister Martina; Sadie, a Goldendoodle from Cahir, Co. Tipperary, owned by Emma White; Junior, a Lurcher from Tramore, Co. Waterford, owned by Marianne Reynolds; and Sullivan, a Golden Retriever–Cocker Spaniel cross from Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, owned by Marie Carr O’Kelly and her husband Patrick.
Sullivan was crowned Munster Provincial Winner, while Ivy, a Dalmatian from Ballina, Co. Mayo, owned by Aoife Tompkins, won the Connacht and overall titles.
The other 2026 Provincial Winners were:
South Leinster: Teddy Boo, a Toy Poodle from Errill, Co. Laois, owned by Megan Fusco.
North Leinster & Ulster: Summer, a Labradoodle–Bernese Mountain Dog cross from near Ballymahon, Co. Longford, owned by David Keenan.
Speaking about this year’s competition, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania, said:
“We were delighted to see communities across Ireland get behind all of our Provincial Winners, as well as the 26 county finalists who made it to the Grand Final. At Petmania, we’re passionate about celebrating the joy puppies bring to our lives and ensuring new owners have access to the expert advice, products and services they need to give their puppy the best possible start.”
Entries opened on 1st September, welcoming puppies from all 26 counties. Following two rounds of public voting, one finalist from each county progressed to the Grand Final, where judges selected four Provincial Winners before choosing the Overall Winner.
Previous Overall Winners have come from Westmeath, Laois, Dublin, Sligo, Kerry, Limerick, Carlow and Galway. This year’s Overall Winner, Ivy, is the first dog from County Mayo – and the first Dalmatian – to take the title.
Prizes worth €2,500 were available throughout the competition, including puppy food, grooming and Pet Expo tickets. The Overall Winner receives 12 monthly grooming visits at Petmania, a 12-month supply of food from WELLNESS CORE, a two-night Ireland’s Blue Book stay for the puppy and two of their favourite humans, a professional photoshoot and a 12-month role as a Petmania Brand Ambassador.
Petmania continues to champion responsible pet ownership through initiatives such as Puppy of the Year, alongside its expert advice, in-store services and ongoing support to help pets and their owners enjoy happy, healthy lives together.
For more information about Petmania and its initiatives, visit www.petmania.ie.