Birr Macra member, Gráinne Conway, vies for Blue Jean crown
Gráinne Conway, who is a member of Birr Macra na Feirme, is Offaly’s representative in the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, organized by Meath Macra na Feirme in collaboration with the community of Athboy.
The twenty-three young women contesting the event will arrive in Athboy, Co. Meath, on Friday, May 31 for an action-packed weekend of events including family fun days, BBQs, karaoke, and night time entertainment. This year's participants come from Macra regions all over the country as well as a queen from Latvia!
The weekend kicks off with a team-building exercise at Causey Farm, followed by a stay with local host families. The festival officially begins with a pub crawl through Athboy on Friday evening.
Offaly's representative in the competition, Gráinne Conway, is a member of Birr Macra and a product builder at a medical company. She enjoys reading crime and thriller novels, hiking, kayaking, card games, board games, baking, painting, jigsaws, cinema, Netflix, and watching hurling and rugby.
Although she loves trying new activities, Gráinne admits that she often gives them up after a short period. She has a unique bond with her sister, being Irish twins, and has undertaken various fundraising activities, including a "dip a day" for Galway Simon Community and Darkness Into Light. Inspired by her love of Gladiators as a child, she tried her hand at Tough Mudder but it didn't quite go as she had hoped and she has since retired from taking part in endurance competitions.
Saturday includes private interviews with judges, followed by Athboy Credit Union's annual Family Fun Day and BBQ, and karaoke at Floods Bar. In the evening, Gráinne and the otherqQueens will participate in a public interview at the Darnley Lodge Hotel with iRadio DJ Conor Woods, followed by entertainment from Rhythm and Sticks and DJ Conor Woods.
Sunday begins with a parade through Athboy's main street, leading to the Fair Green for Lark in the Park, which includes family activities and a Toy Tractor Run sponsored by Meath Farm Machinery Ltd. The queens will also participate in a Barbenheimer-themed fancy dress football match.
The weekend concludes with a Gala Banquet at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, followed by the crowning of the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen. The winner will receive a tiara, golden sash, and perpetual cup, presented by the 2023 Queen, Niamh Sheehy from Kilkenny. The first prize winner will also receive €1,000 from Athboy Credit Union, with €500 for the second prize from Turmec Recycling and €300 for the third prize from Farrelly Tree Service Ltd.
For tickets and more information, visit www.bluejeancountryqueen.com or follow the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.