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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
12-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford man Tom Carroll was a devoted family man who always stayed true to his Blackwater roots
Tom, the eldest son of the late Denis and Mary Carroll nee Corrigan, was born in June, 1940. A Blackwater man and more importantly a proud Ballyconnigar man; Tom never strayed far from his roots or his love and understanding of nature. He attended Blackwater National School before embarking on a life of farming on the family farm. The sandy, dry land and small fields were a feature of the landscape of Ballyconnigar back then, allowing Tom to nurture his skill of ploughing and working the land. In his youth he enjoyed attending dances across the county and was a member of Macra na Feirme. In 1978 Tom married Rita Byrne of Crosshue, and the arrival of their four children meant they were inseparable while leading a busy and devoted family life together. Despite the hard work, there was always time for fun and family day's out. Tom also loved joking and playing tricks – dressing up for Hallowe'en, April Fool's Day jokes and in latter years Easter Egg Hunts for his grandchildren and their friends. Tom's love of the land and farming was evident throughout his life from milking cows twice daily, knowing their names and individual personalities to trips to the mart becoming a whole day out. His understanding of nature was ahead of his time from the germination of early potatoes to never cutting down a tree without planting at least one more. His lifelong knowledge and respect for the sea, tides and moon phases was never far from his mind, from time spent herring fishing and sea-prizing to understanding that all living creatures come into this world on a rising tide and leave on an ebbing tide. One of his favourite past-times was driving down to the strand to look out at the sea. Tom was a devoted member of St. Brigid's GAA Club Blackwater from his playing days right up to more recently being on the sideline supporting teams of all ages across all codes. From watching countless training sessions at the local pitch to trips to Croke Park supporting our county teams through good and bad days. A post-match analysis was essential - either to celebrate the successes or debate the questionable calls. Tom was an active member of Blackwater Ploughing Match Committee, Blackwater Game Protection Association and in more recent years Blackwater Vintage Club. These all related back to his lifelong love of nature and the land. Tom loved socializing and meeting people; he had a word for all ages and was never first to leave an event. He was well known by all visitors to Blackwater and was renowned for selling early spuds to the bathers (from either Enniscorthy or Dublin)! Family was very close to Tom's heart, and this was evident in the strong relationship with his brother and five sisters. He took pride in being head of the family and always kept in touch with cousins and the wider family circle. His sociable and welcoming nature meant that there was a steady flow of visitors to the family home over the last few weeks of his life. These visits by family members, neighbours and friends were thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Tom's family takes great comfort and pride in the fact that he spent his final days at home, as he had wished. They would like to express their gratitude to all who assisted in this being possible. Tom was laid to rest in Blackwater Cemetery on Saturday April 19, following his Funeral Service in St. Brigid's Church. He was interred with his parents Denis and Mary who had passed away in the early 1980's. A beautiful rendition of Horses and Plough was sung by Senan Lillis, Matty Murphy and John Furlong during the burial; a fitting tribute to Tom's years working the land. Tom is mourned by his beloved wife Rita, his daughters Catherine (Vallely), Marion (Murphy) and Oonagh (Rowe) and son Denis. He is also sadly missed by his brother Mike, sisters Margaret (Hawes), Catherine (Howard), Anne (McLoughlin), Mary (Gillespie) and Stasia (Bevan); adored grandchildren Mikey, Tom, Luke, Aidan, Conor, Michael, Tomás, Mary Kate, Orlaith, Finn, Harry; sons in law Sean, Paul and Eddie, daughter in law Siobhán; sisters in law Carmel and the late Annie Walsh, brothers in law Roy, John, Austin, Charlie and Dave; nieces, nephews and extended family, neighbours and friends. Tom's Month's Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Brigid's Church, Blackwater at 7pm on Saturday May 17. The Mass may also be viewed online on
