Niamh Ryan will fly the flag for Laois at the 53rd WR Shaw Queen of the Land Festival at the weekend.
The native of the Pike-of-Rushall will represent Camross Macra at the national event.
“I’m still getting the packing done. It’s like four weddings all together,” Niamh said earlier today (Thursday).
It has been a busy time for the young Laois woman who is a graphic designer and also volunteers with the Red Cross.
She recently passed her exams as an emergency medical technician (EMT).
She is looking forward to a jam-packed weekend of events.
“It’s crazy but I am really looking forward to it. It will be an experience in itself,” she said.
When asked what she would if she wins the competition, she replied: “It would be amazing if I won it for Laois”.
She said it is all about taking part and making new friendships with the other Macra participants from across the country.
“I have made real friendships already… It is amazing to be representing Laois. If I won it then that would be unbelievable,” she said.
Support
She certainly won’t be lacking in support in Tullamore.
Her parents, Tony and Margaret, and brothers Leon and Aaron will be over for the events, especially for the on-stage interviews.
A contingent from Laois will be present from Camross and Laois Macra over the weekend, also.
In total, 31 ladies will descend on the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore in Offaly for what is one of the highly anticipated featured festivals in the Macra na Feirme calendar.
The WR Shaw Queen of the Land Festival will run from 10th – 12th November.
The girls will be setting off on a tour to Clonmacnoise and Tullamore Dew on Friday afternoon with the evening entertainment kicking off from at 9.30pm with international act, DJ Sash taking to the stage for dancing until late.
Saturday will see the girls being interviewed by our esteemed judging panel of Billy Shaw representing WR Shaw, reigning 2016 WR Shaw Queen of the Land winner Karen Elliffe and guest judge from Agri Aware, Deirdre O’ Shea.
This will be followed by pampering with Ritzy’s Hairdressing and Olivia’s Beauty Salon before they meet their escorts in Hugh Lynch’s from 3pm.
Evening on-stage interviews entertainment will start at 8pm with Will Faulkner from Midlands FM103 Radio and entertainment afterwards provided by Portlaoise-based Transmitter, Legacy and Joe Wynne with DJ until late.
On Sunday, the highlight will no doubt be the gala banquet with the doors opening at 6pm and music provided by White Diamond.
Crowning
This will be followed by the highly anticipated crowning of the 53rd WR Shaw Queen of the Land 2017 at midnight.
Tickets are available on the door for both Friday and Saturday night.
Sunday night tickets for the banquet must be booked in advance on www.queenofthelandfestival.com
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