Cork woman crowned Queen of the Land in Tullamore

Rachel McNamara from Newtownshandrum in Cork, representing Cork’s Avondhu region has won this year's Queen of the Land title.

In second place was Joanne Cushen, who represented Kilkenny and Edel Ryan representing South Tipperary received third place. A total of 28 contestants were welcomed to the Bridge House Hotel last Friday night to take part in the two-day event after a three year absence.

Following the official opening on Friday afternoon at the Tullamore Credit Union office, contestants prepared for onstage interviews with MC Peter Dunne, breakfast show host at Midlands 103. The judging panel included 2019 winner of the festival Sinead Conry, MEP and former Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh and CEO of Tullamore Credit Union Paul Shaw.

Saturday was a busy day for contestants with trips to the Tullamore Dew visitor centre, interviews with the judges along with preparations for the gala dinner later in the evening. Escorts and supporters were invited to local farms for tours during the day.

There was a full house for the banquet dinner on Saturday which was followed by a night of entertainment from band Big Generator, as hundreds of people attended from across the country.

Winner Rachel McNamara received a tiara along with the perpetual trophy, €1000 Tullamore Credit Union prize, specially commissioned Galway Crystal piece from Cahill Jewellers and a two-night stay at the Bridge House Hotel.

Both runners-up received cash prizes and specially commissioned pieces of Galway Crystal. The organising committee are grateful to all the contestants, supporters and sponsors.