Irish president’s dog Misneach soaks up last days in stately home

Misneach, Michael Higgins' dog, is enjoying his last few days at the Presidential home
The curious pup captured the heart of a nation (Picture: President Michael D. Higgins)

When Irish President Michael D Higgins first took office in 2011, he made his love of dogs well-known to the public.

He first welcomed Shadow, a Bernese Mountain Dog, followed by Síoda and Bród.

The last of his pets, Misneach, is the only one remaining – and he’s enjoying his last few days of residency at Áras.

On Instagram, Higgins wrote: ‘Misneach and friends – including Rosie, Luna, Rollo and Teddy- have been enjoying his final few weeks in Áras an Uachtaráin.’

The Irish are preparing to bid farewell to Higgins, as the new President, Catherine Connolly, takes office later today.

Ireland is saying goodbye to Misneach, whose name means ‘courage’ in Irish.

Over the years, he’s been photographed by his master’s side as he greets, sniffs and licks businessmen and political leaders from around the world.

Misneach, Michael Higgins' dog, is enjoying his last few days at the Presidential home
Misneach is enjoying his last few days at the Presidential home (Picture: President Michael D. Higgins)
Misneach, Michael Higgins' dog, is enjoying his last few days at the Presidential home
Misneach means ‘courage, bravery or hope’ in Irish (Picture: President Michael D. Higgins)

Higgins previously said of his companions: ‘The dogs are not merely ice-breakers, they’re also a great source of wisdom.’

Misneach’s position as man’s best friend has seen him go viral a few times.

During one of Higgins’ speeches, he was spotted licking and nibbling his master’s hands.

His late brother, Bród, also met Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Prince William and Kate, and even barked at former President Joe Biden.

Misneach has had a proper send-off; however, other Bernese Mountain dogs lined up to say goodbye to Higgins and Misneach as they drove off the other day.

Handout photo issued by Maxwells of President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins with his dogs Brod and Misnaech, with French President Emmanuel Macron, at Aras an Uachtarain, Dublin, during his first official visit to Ireland. Issue date: Thursday August 26, 2021. PA Photo. The visit fulfils part of an election pledge by Mr Macron to visit all 27 EU member states, with Ireland one of only four countries yet to be crossed off his list. See PA story IRISH Macron. Photo credit should read: Maxwells/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
In 2021, Misneach and his late brother, Brod, met Emmanuel Macron (Picture: PA)
Misneach, Michael Higgins' dog, is enjoying his last few days at the Presidential home
Misneach has friends big and small (Picture: President Michael D. Higgins)

Misneach has reportedly already arrived at his new home in Galway, where Higgins will be living after his term ends today.

Well-wishers wrote on Instagram: ‘Aw, we’ll miss Misneach’s beautiful face, but he’s done the state some service and deserves a break.’

‘We’ll miss you, Misneach. Please ask your mum and dad to keep posting photos of you’re adventures so we can still see you,’ another wrote.

The incoming Irish President, Connolly, reportedly has two cats which will move with her into the Presidential home.

Though Misneach won’t be able to run through the fields of Áras anymore, we’re sure he’ll have a wonderful retirement with his devoted owner.

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