A nine-year-old Springer Spaniel from Co. Dublin has been crowned overall winner of the 2026 Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards, following an outstanding career in drug detection.
Sam claimed the top honour at the 2026 Golden Paw Hero Dog Awards, organised by The Irish Kennel Club and sponsored by Agria Petinsure Ireland. The special ceremony took place at the Keadeen Hotel on Saturday, 21 February, celebrating some of Ireland’s most inspiring and dedicated dogs across categories including law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy, companionship and bravery.
Sam, who won the Law Enforcement category, has served with Revenue’s Customs Service for seven years. Since joining the detector dog programme in 2018, he has been involved in more than 1,000 drug detections with a combined estimated street value exceeding €10 million. Among his most notable finds was more than 6kg of cocaine discovered at Portlaoise Mail Centre.
Now based at Dublin Mail Centre and Parcel Hub, Sam can screen international postal consignments in just 30 minutes , a task that could otherwise take several Customs Officers hours to complete.
Over the years, he has supported joint operations with An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Assets Bureau, Dublin Airport and the Defence Forces. He has also represented Revenue at public awareness campaigns, school demonstrations, National Services Day and the St Patrick’s Day parade.
As he approaches retirement, judges commended his dedication, precision and impact in disrupting criminal networks, describing his contribution as exceptional and making him a clear choice for the 2026 overall award.
The judging panel included broadcaster and writer Barbara Scully, President of The Irish Kennel Club Pat O’Boyle, Fiona Charles Country Manager at Agria Petinsure Ireland, and Damien Hanley, Marketing Strategy Manager of Agria Petinsure Ireland.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fiona Charles said: "Today we celebrate heart, courage, loyalty and the extraordinary dogs who show us what those words truly mean. At Agria Ireland, we believe pets aren't possessions, they're family, and every hero honoured here reminds us just how powerfully dogs can change lives. It's why we're so proud to sponsor these awards, and why days like this matter so much. Congratulations to our winner, Sam, and to all the incredible finalists who inspire us with their bravery, love and unwavering devotion."
All category winners received a trophy and cash prize, with Sam taking home the overall award and an additional prize. Revenue’s Customs Service has donated both sums to the NSPCA on his behalf.
The ceremony also recognised Rocky with the 2026 Special Honorary Golden Paw Award. A pioneer in Irish search and rescue, Rocky became the first general-purpose search dog in Southern Ireland and helped establish trailing and detection work nationwide. Although he passed away in 2025, his legacy continues through Wexford K9 Search and Rescue.
Among the other Dublin winners were Tori, a black Labrador working at St. Luke’s Hospital, who claimed the Therapy/Guide Dog Award. Since joining the oncology team at St. Luke’s Hospital in May 2025, Tori has played a vital role in brightening the hospital environment. As a certified therapy dog, she offers reassurance, companionship and moments of happiness to patients, their families and staff, helping to ease the emotional and physical strains of treatment. Her gentle and intuitive temperament creates joyful distractions for children while helping to calm anxiety and tension among adult patients, softening the clinical setting with warmth and kindness. Tori lives with her dedicated handlers and accompanies them each day, generously sharing her steady and comforting presence. Through her unwavering support and natural empathy, Tori embodies the restorative impact and deep compassion that therapy animals bring to healthcare settings.
Rescued/Rehomed Dog Award was awarded to Jackson, a border Collie from Co. Westmeath. Jackson’s early life was marked by hardship, but his story has become one of resilience and remarkable progress. Discovered in May 2024 at the Carlow Kilkenny pound following a traumatic ordeal, he was extremely fearful and could not be handled for several weeks. With steady patience, dedicated training and consistent affection, Jackson gradually grew in confidence and ability. Within a year, he secured 2nd place in Level 1 Rally-O obedience and 4th place in Level 2, an impressive achievement for a dog who once struggled with basic human contact. Formally adopted from The Hairy Project rescue in December 2024, Jackson has blossomed from a frightened, abandoned puppy into a joyful and accomplished companion. His transformation stands as a powerful reminder of what compassion, commitment and a second chance can achieve.
Jessie, a Beagle from Co. Galway received the Search & Rescue Dog Award Jessie. Jessie is a trailblazing search and rescue dog whose work with SARDA Ireland has had a meaningful national impact on lifesaving operations. Recognised as Ireland’s first scent-specific trailing search and rescue dog, and currently the only dog trained to NSARDA standard across Ireland, the UK and the Isle of Man, she has established an exceptional new standard in the field. Beginning her training at just five months old, Jessie quickly developed the complex skill of tracking a missing person’s unique scent using personal items. She has since put that training into practice during live deployments, including successful search operations in Co. Galway. Her unwavering concentration, drive and accuracy, combined with the Beagle’s natural scenting ability, make her an essential asset in both countryside and urban environments. Jessie’s operational accomplishments, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives mark her out as a highly worthy recipient of a Golden Paw Hero Dog Award.
The Companion Dog Award was received by Monty, an English Bullterrier from Co. Cavan. Monty has been a transformative source of comfort, loyalty and strength for his owner. Taken home nearly four years ago, he soon became much more than a pet, he helped her navigate an extremely difficult period in her life. When she struggled with depression and felt overwhelmed and alone, Monty gave her purpose, offering unconditional love, constant companionship and the encouragement to engage with the world again. His steady presence helped her rebuild confidence and find direction, even inspiring her to become active in the dog show community, where she found fresh goals, routine and support. With his gentle demeanour and big heart, Monty beautifully illustrates the profound impact the human‑dog bond can have on a person’s life.
The Bravery Dog Award was awarded to Alfie, a Bernese Mountain Dog, from Co. Meath. Alfie is an extraordinary example of courage, resilience and positivity in the face of adversity. After being struck by a van in a serious accident, he tragically lost both of his eyes. Rather than letting his disability define him, Alfie adapted to life without sight, using his heightened senses to navigate his surroundings with confidence and joy. He now lives happily and independently on his owner’s farm, proving that loss of vision has not diminished his spirit or ability to enjoy life. Adding to his remarkable story is the unique way he and his owner communicate: Alfie responds confidently to commands given entirely in Gaeilge, reflecting both his intelligence and the close bond he shares with his handler. His journey from severe injury to thriving, enthusiastic daily living makes Alfie a shining inspiration and a truly deserving recipient of the Bravery Dog Award.
