Ballina’s Ivy wins Petmania Puppy of the Year

Ivy, a Dalmatian from Ballina, Co. Mayo, has been crowned Petmania Puppy of the Year 2026 after being selected from 1,414 puppy entries in the 11th year of the competition.

Owned by Aoife Tompkins, Ivy was one of 26 county finalists at the Grand Final, held at Pet Expo at the National Show Centre in Dublin on Saturday, 17th October. The event was hosted by Eurovision legend and animal welfare advocate Linda Martin and brought together the finalists, their families and the Petmania team to celebrate the puppies.

Reflecting on the moment Ivy was crowned Puppy of the Year 2026, owner Aoife Tompkins said:“I honestly can’t believe she won. I’m absolutely shocked. I knew she was a good dog – really smart and great at training – but I didn’t think she’d do so well. I’m really, really happy. She’s done a fantastic job. She was treated like a celebrity before this, but my family is going wild behind the scenes now! My phone is blowing up.

"We typically get adult rescue dogs, so when we had the opportunity to have a puppy we just had to enter her in Petmania Puppy of the Year. We always agreed that when he bought me an engagement ring, I would get us a puppy! It only took seven years. To us, Ivy holds a special place in our hearts because she represents beginning a new chapter in our lives together. 

"We picked up Ivy the same weekend that Mayo won the All-Ireland final. While they were playing, we made a bet that if Mayo won, her second name would be Kobe! That’s how Ivy Kobe came to be!” 

She added: “My advice to anyone entering next year is to enjoy it. Training is important, and if your dog can work with you, you can master anything. It was such a lovely process, and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved. 

"I want to thank all my friends and family for their support. They were behind us throughout every round. Thank you so much, everyone.” 

Before taking the overall title, Ivy was crowned Connacht Provincial Winner ahead of four fellow county finalists: Lola, a Bernese Mountain Dog from Oughterard, Co. Galway, owned by Ryan Gibbons; Rua, a Jack Russell Terrier from Mohill, Co. Leitrim, owned by Zara Sheahan; Nellie, a Maltese from Co. Roscommon, owned by Enya Reilly; and Fly, a Collie from Riverstown, Co. Sligo, owned by Louise Merrick.

Joining her on the winners’ podium are the other 2026 Provincial Winners:

•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.

•Munster: Sullivan, a Golden Retriever-Cocker Spaniel cross from Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, owned by Marie Carr O’Kelly and her husband Patrick.

Petmania Puppy of the Year celebrates the special bond between puppies and their families. This year’s competition attracted 1,414 entries from across 26 counties, bringing communities together to support their local finalists.

Speaking about this year’s competition, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania, said:“We were delighted to see communities across Ireland get behind Ivy, 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.

Before this year’s final, Galway had produced two overall winners: in 2020 and again in 2025.

Previous champions have also come from Westmeath, Laois, Dublin, Sligo, Kerry, Limerick and Carlow. Ivy is the first dog from County Mayo – and the first Dalmatian – to win 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.