Bundee represents Kildare at Petmania Puppy of the Year Grand Final

Bundee, a Golden Retriever from Newbridge, Co. Kildare, 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 Kate Crowley, Bundee attended the Grand Final at Pet Expo at the National Show Centre in Dublin on Saturday, October 17. 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.

Bundee’s name was chosen before the family had even picked their puppy, inspired by a love of Connacht rugby and Bundee Aki. With his friendly personality and enthusiasm for making himself at home, he has quickly become a much-loved member of the household — and a familiar face to the neighbours.

Speaking about Bundee’s personality and what inspired her to enter the competition, owner Kate Crowley said: “My auntie sent me on a link to Petmania Puppy of the Year and said that Bundee would be the perfect candidate! Thankfully the judges chose us as a wild card and he really stepped up his game on round two votes! We had picked the name long before we picked the puppy. His dad is a massive Connacht fan and Bundee Aki is his favourite player. Bundee thinks every house he enters is his own. One time he managed to escape while his dad was taking in the bins. One of our neighbours happened to be outside and had left their front door open. Bundee sprinted to say hi to the neighbour, then sprinted into the house! When dad went over to get him, he was sitting on the couch in between two of the neighbours getting all the pets!”

She added: “For anyone considering a puppy, my advice is: it’s overwhelming in the first few weeks but it’s all worth it! Be prepared for the puppy to become the centre of the household and everyone’s most loved family member - you’ll be fighting over who gets to sit beside them on the couch!”

Bundee competed in the South Leinster category alongside Lola Sona, a Cocker Spaniel from Co. Carlow, owned by Inga Daskeviciene; Simba, a Pomeranian from Dublin, owned by Perla Medina; Bella, a Cocker Spaniel from Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny, owned by Niamh O’Connell; Chai Bella, a Dachshund from Rhode, Co. Offaly, owned by Kaelyn Dudley; Maverick, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi from Ballytramon, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford, owned by Charlotte Campbell; Ozzy, a Cocker Spaniel from Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, owned by Jordan O’Riordan; and Teddy Boo, a Toy Poodle from Errill, Co. Laois, owned by Megan Fusco.

Teddy Boo was crowned South Leinster 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:

• North Leinster & Ulster: Summer, a Labradoodle–Bernese Mountain Dog cross from near Ballymahon, Co. Longford, owned by David Keenan.
• Munster: Sullivan, a Golden Retriever–Cocker Spaniel cross from Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, owned by Marie Carr O’Kelly and her husband Patrick.

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.”

Now in its 11th year, Petmania Puppy of the Year attracted 1,414 entries from across 26 counties. Entries opened on 1st September. 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.