Scotland lassie Susie is 2015 Blue Jean Country Queen at Macra na Feirme festival
Susie, a member of Nairn Jac Young farmers’ Club, beat off some very stiff competition from finalists from all over Ireland — and indeed other overseas representatives — to take the title at the Macra na Feirme annual festival last Sunday night.
The 21-year-old child minder and shop assistant spent time in Macra circles in Laois for two years, and was at the festival last year.
Her hobbies include fishing and badminton.
Susie won over judges Joe Gardiner, former Macra vice president, local entrepreneur Matt Murtagh, and previous festival chairperson Veronica Donohue.
Each of the Queens were interviewed by the panel of judges privately, before the aspirants to the throne took to the stage at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, where MC Joe Healy put them through their paces in front of a festival audience.
He was helped along by ‘The Voiceover Guy’, as well as by musical interludes provided by The Side Kicks.
This year’s runner-up was Longford’s Christina Reilly, a 22-year-old student and member of Tír na nÓg Macra. Her hobbies include walking, socialising, and going to the cinema.
In third place was Gráinne Hanrahan, from Carlow. A member of St Mullins Macra, Gráinne works as a sales assistant and enjoys walking and swimming, but her great love is Irish music.
The festival, in its 28th year, also included a street carnival, craft fair, and an ‘I can’t believe you wore that’ disco, while the contestants also took to the mike at Flood’s Bar to show off their singing talents in a karaoke contest.
At a special festival marquee, there was entertainment for all, including live music and an alpha male competition.
The first Blue Jean Country Queen Festival took place in 1987. The idea came from Carnaross man, Patrick Farrelly, who, according to legend, was driving his tractor when he heard the song ‘I’m a Blue Jean Country Queen’ on the radio.
The businesses and local community in Athboy work closely with the festival’s committee to ensure its continued success.
The event was organised by Meath Macra members, who were delighted with all aspects of the weekend.
