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Agriland
3 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
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath Macra prepares for its 38th Blue Jean Festival in Athboy
The three-day event in Meath will run from Friday, May 30 to June 1, featuring live music, family entertainment, and the coronation of the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen. The festival is set to welcome over 21 young women from across Ireland and abroad to compete for the title of Blue Jean Country Queen – a competition that celebrates community involvement, and rural heritage. Reflecting on her year as Queen, 2024 titleholder Alannah Finnegan said: 'It's hard to express in just a few words what it has meant to me being crowned the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen. The Blue Jean Country Queen has truly given me friends and memories for life that I'm so exceptionally grateful for. I've had a fantastic year of holding the title, and I've really enjoyed all the opportunities that have come from it. Ms Finnegan advised the 2025 Queens to 'Let your personality shine bright, embrace all the wonderful moments, and make some unforgettable memories and friendships.' Organised by Meath Macra na Feirme, the event is now in its 38th year and is volunteer-led, with strong backing from local businesses, clubs, and civic groups. Macra na Feirme is a voluntary rural youth organisation for 17-35-year-olds. It's key activities include agriculture, sport, travel, public speaking, performing arts and community involvement. Festival Chair Paul Gill said: 'The people of Athboy really love this festival, and we are delighted to work closely with the Athboy Community Committee, whose passion and expertise set it apart.' Councillor David Gilroy praised the festival as 'an integral part of summer' for showcasing rural youth empowerment. 'Macra has provided a platform and an outlet for young people for generations and the Blue Jean Festival is just one manifestation of that.' Local musicians Rhythm and Sticks, The Fógues, and festival favourite Simon Casey will be among the weekend's headliners. ADVERTISEMENT What to Expect Friday, May 30: Opening Ceremony at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. Saturday, May 31: A packed day including a Family Fun Day and BBQ, karaoke at Flood's Bar, and contestant interviews in St. James' Hall which is open to the public. Sunday, June 1: The 'Lark in the Park' takes over Fair Green with music, a pet farm, toy tractor run, and children's games. The Gala Banquet and crowning ceremony will wrap up the weekend
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘I hope you're sitting down - Gerry Ryan has died' – Colleagues reflect ahead of 15th anniversary of broadcaster's death
The 2FM broadcaster died unexpectedly from cardiac arrhythmia in 2010, and tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of his passing. Fanning was a friend and colleague, he first worked with Ryan at Big D pirate radio before they both began in RTÉ. They travelled around the country together and hosted concerts such as Lark in the Park and Beat on The Street. When Fanning heard that Ryan was being moved to an early-morning slot at 2FM, he thought it was going to fail. 'I thought daytime listeners were a bit more conservative and within two weeks it was the biggest thing on radio and it stayed that way,' he said. 'So I thought it was great he was going there but I thought he would be curbed but of course you couldn't curb Gerry.' His outstanding memory of the broadcaster is his good humour. 'Gerry had a sense of humour like no one else I know. He was in the 1pc who just had it. He never told a joke in his life and wouldn't be able to tell a joke, but he could talk about the cup of tea in front of you now and would have you on the floor. He just had that quality,' he said. The news of Ryan's death stunned listeners and those who worked with him. 'I could not believe it. I was in shock. So was everyone. I mean you're 53 years old – what? ... It was just mad, stupid, terrible… He was a big presence on the radio and it was very sudden. And he was very young. And it was very stupid that it happened.' ADVERTISEMENT Fianna Fáil politician Cynthia Ní Mhurchú presented the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest at the Point Depot, now the 3Arena, with Ryan. 'My overall memory of working with Gerry Ryan during that Eurovision period was fun, it was overwhelming fun,' she said. 'On the night itself, I know Gerry was extremely nervous of heights and we had to come to the stage via a plank like a trapeze artist. We descended from the ceiling on an electronic plank and he was extremely nervous – so that is why we ended up holding hands.' Ireland won the Eurovision in 1994 with Charlie McGettigan and Paul Harrington's Rock 'n' Roll Kids. Meanwhile, Riverdance, starring Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, was staged for the first time. 'So that Eurovision was the Eurovision as far as I am concerned,' Ní Mhurchú said. Brenda Donohue worked on the Gerry Ryan show as a roving reporter. Her first report was after she spent the day down Dublin sewers - she instantly clicked with Ryan. 'He was great company. Serious when he needed to be… he threw himself into it and was such a naturally fluid broadcaster and very dynamic personality,' she said. Her favourite programmes were when they were on road, or segments that had a sense of 'divilment' to them – such as when Ryan ran a 'Houseslob of the Year' contest to rival the Calor 'Housewife of the Year'. Or when he claimed live on air that himself and the entire production were presenting the show in the nude to mark World Naturist Day. It was, of course, a joke, but the station was inundated with complaints, including one from one of his producer's mother. Brenda was preparing for her youngest son Harvey's first birthday when she heard about his death. She received a call from her husband, who told her he had heard a rumour. 'He said, 'I hope you're sitting down. I just heard that Gerry Ryan has died'. This was about 1pm and I said that's not true'. Then I rang Noel Kelly [Gerry Ryan's agent] and he confirmed it,' she said. Brenda and several other of Ryan's colleagues went on The Late Late Show to discuss the death of the broadcaster. 'And we were talking in the past and it was all very surreal. Then there was the funeral and we made shows immediately after because the public wanted to express their memories and feelings… It was a very hectic time," she said.
