The 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, organised by Meath Macra na Feirme, will take place in Athboy this coming June Bank Holiday Weekend – and Laois will be represented.
Sheila Keeshan, from Castletown, will be one of 23 women arriving in the Royal County on Friday, May 31, each of whom will be staying with a “host family” for the weekend.
The contestants will embark on a unique experience, starting with a fun team-building exercise at Causey Farm followed by a pub crawl through Athboy.
Meath Macra na Feirme and the people of Athboy have curated a diverse array of events for the entire weekend, including two free family fun days, a complimentary BBQ, karaoke, and a weekend filled with nighttime entertainment.
Ms Keeshan is a Speech and Language Therapist, who enjoys a variety of hobbies including trips with Macra, participating in triathlons, open water swimming, and debating.
She is multilingual and speaks English, German, Irish, and teaches Lámh (a form of sign language) to autistic children, children with additional needs, parents, and teachers.
Saturday begins early for Ms Keeshan and her fellow Queens, with private interviews with the judges.
Following this, they will enjoy Athboy Credit Union’s annual Family Fun Day and BBQ before showcasing their vocal talents at Floods Bar during karaoke.
Later that evening, they will undergo public interviews at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, followed by an evening of music by Rhythm and Sticks, and DJ Conor Woods.
On Sunday morning, the Queens will lead a procession through Athboy’s main street towards the Fair Green for Lark in the Park, a free family fun day featuring children’s entertainment, live music, food stalls, and a Toy Tractor Run.
The day’s highlight is the Barbenheimer-themed fancy dress football match.
In the evening, after a formal banquet at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, the Queens will don their jeans once more for the eagerly anticipated crowning ceremony, followed by dancing to the tunes of The Druids and DJ Conor Woods.
While the weekend promises ample fun, there’s also a prestigious title at stake.
The 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen will receive a tiara, golden sash, and perpetual cup presented by the 2023 Queen, Niamh Sheehy.
Additionally, the first prize winner will receive €1000, with second and third prize winners receiving €500 and €300 respectively.
For tickets and further information about the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, visit www.bluejeancountryqueen.com or follow the festival on their social media platforms.
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