Latest news with #DarnleyLodgeHotel
Agriland
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Co. Waterford farmer crowned Blue Jean Country Queen 2025
A Co. Waterford farmer was named as the Blue Jean Country Queen for the first time in 22 years, in Athboy, Co. Meath, on Sunday (June 1). The winner was Amy Coffey, a 22-year-old secondary school teacher from Cappoquin Macra. Coffey has followed in the footsteps of her aunt, Carol Byrne, who was crowned in 2003. She received the perpetual trophy, golden sash, tiara, and €1000 from the events main sponsor Le Chéile Credit Union. Second place went to Heather O'Connell from Avondhu, Co. Cork, a member of Awberg Macra. Meanwhile, Mary O'Reilly, from Limerick Macra, finished in third place. The 2025 winner, Coffey said: 'It's a great honour to be the second Waterford winner. The weekend was amazing, I loved every second. 'I met incredible girls, and the committee, sponsors, Athboy locals, my host family, and my own supporters were all fantastic,' Coffey added. Blue Jean Country Queen Throughout the weekend, 21 contestants took part in a number of activities including a pub crawl, on-stage interviews, fancy dress football, a barbeque, and karaoke with the organisers and judges. The festival began on Friday with a visit to Causey Farm, where the participants took part in team building exercises. The opening day of the festival ended with the official opening at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, and the Nana Moon's pub crawl through Athboy. The competition was judged by former Mr. Personality winner, John Martin Carroll, the 1997 Meath Blue Jean Country Queen, Aileen Harte McMurty, and Croston Flood's Linda Croston. On Saturday (May 31), the participants had private interviews with the judges, followed by an action packed day of activities. That evening, contestants took part in live interviews at St James' Hall, Athboy, Co. Meath. Finally, on Sunday there was a 'heroes vs villains' fancy dress football match to kick off the Meath Farm Machinery Ltd. Lark in the Park family fun day. The results of the competition were revealed at the Darnley Lodge Hotel on Sunday night, followed by celebrations 'long into the night'.
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath gears up for Fleadh na Mí opening this weekend
Hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the festival celebrates Irish music and culture through offering a diverse range of events for all locals and visitors to enjoy. The Fleadh will commence this Friday, May, 9 at 7pm with the official opening ceremony featuring music, song, and dance. To kick off the main weekend of event, on Friday, May, 16, there will be a traditional singing concert with special guests at the Darnley Lodge Hotel. Saturday will see a street session led by well-known fiddle player Anóin Mac Gabhain, with Fleadh Aifreann/Mass to follow in Saint James' Church. An official opening ceremony with special guests Caitlín and Bernadette Nic Gabhainn will take place in the evening followed by a music session an refreshments. Competitions will run on Sunday morning to conclude the event led by O'Growney National School. Competitors including musicians, singers, and dancers from Comhaltas branches across Meath will take part. Anna Nic Giolla Séanáin and Cathal Mac Potair won a competition held by Comhaltas na Mí to feature their artwork in this year's Fleadh na Mí 2025 programme cover. Organisers have worked closely with local businesses and volunteers to ensure an environment for the seasoned trad players or fans of Irish culture. With the weather forecast to be favourable so far this weekend, a large crowd may be expected for the opening ceremony.
