Kilkenny's Saoirse Horan competes for Blue Jean Country Queen title

Saoirse Horan proudly represents Kilkenny in the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, organised by Meath Macra na Feirme in collaboration with the Athboy community this June Bank Holiday.

Saoirse will she aiming to keep the crown in Kilkenny following Niamh Sheehy's win in 2023.

Twenty-three young women, including Saoirse, will converge in Athboy, Co. Meath, for this year's festival, commencing on Friday, May 31st. Meath Macra na Feirme and the people of Athboy have curated a diverse range of events for the entire weekend, including two free family fun days, a BBQ, karaoke, and a weekend packed with nighttime entertainment. Contestants hail from Macra regions nationwide, alongside a Queen from Latvia.

Saoirse Horan and the other twenty-two expected Queens will arrive in Athboy on Friday, May 31st. Over the bank holiday weekend, Saoirse will embark on a unique experience, starting with a fun team-building exercise at Causey Farm with her fellow Queens, followed by meeting her local host family, with whom she'll stay for the duration of the weekend. The festival officially kicks off on Friday evening with a pub crawl through Athboy.

Saoirse Horan, a member of Kilkenny City Macra, an Outdoor Instructor, and a ATU Mayo College student. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including watersports, hiking, and playing sports like GAA Football and Camogie. She's also involved in working with individuals with disabilities in outdoor settings.

Saturday begins early for Saoirse and her fellow Queens with private interviews with the judges. Following this, they'll enjoy Athboy Credit Union's annual Family Fun Day and BBQ before showcasing their vocal talents at Floods Bar during karaoke. Later that evening, Saoirse and the other Queens will undergo public interviews at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, followed by a night of partying with Rhythm and Sticks and DJ Conor Woods.

On Sunday morning, Saoirse Horan and her fellow 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 the thrilling Toy Tractor Run sponsored by Meath Farm Machinery Ltd. The day's highlight is the Barbenheimer-themed fancy dress football match, as Saoirse and her fellow Queens reprise last year's box office clash.

In the evening, after a formal banquet at the Darnley Lodge Hotel attended by sponsors and dignitaries, the Queens will don their jeans once more for the eagerly anticipated crowning ceremony, followed dancing the night away to the tunes of The Druids, followed by 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 a perpetual cup presented by the 2023 Queen, also from Kilkenny, Niamh Sheehy. Additionally, the first prize winner will receive €1000 from Athboy Credit Union, with second and third prize winners receiving €500 and €300 respectively from Turmec Recycling and Farrelly Tree Service Ltd.

For tickets and further information about the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, visit www.bluejeancountryqueen.com or follow the festival on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.