Patrick Dowd flies the flag proudly for Kilkenny at the Mr Personality Festival

The annual Mr Personality Festival 2023 took place in the Talbot Hotel on April 14 and 15 in Clonmel, Tipperary.

The festival was hosted by Kilkenny Macra na Feirme and was sponsored by Kilkenny/Carlow and District Farm Relief Services.

Kilkenny hotel wins best employer at Fáilte Ireland Employer Excellence Awards

The festival, previously held in the Springhill Court Hotel for the past 15 years, was very well received by all who attended at this year’s venue.

The 23 contestants travelled from across the country to Clonmel for a fun-filled weekend!

On Friday evening, contestants were interviewed on stage, entertaining the audience with stories of their guilty pleasures and embarrassing moments (with an optional party piece if they were brave enough) followed by music from ‘The Waxies’ and a DJ.

On Saturday morning Patrick completed his private interview with the judges.

Afterwards he proudly displayed his county colours while completing a bootcamp run by Kilkenny Macra members including wheelbarrow races, an obstacle course, and team building exercises to show the judges what he was made of.

Judges for the weekend were Siobhán Woods, Liam Comerford and Barry Murphy.

The result was announced at midnight on Saturday night after a Banquet Dinner Dance with entertainment from ‘Hot Fuss’.

Andrew Dunne, Mountmellick Macra (Laois) was named as the 16th Mr Personality.

Tens of thousands of euros worth of unclaimed prize bonds in Kilkenny

In second place was James Cassidy from Ballincollig Macra (Seandún) and third place was Paul Gill from Longwood/Killyon (Meath).

Andrew Dunne was presented with €500 cheque, a perpetual cup and glass trophy.

James Cassidy received a glass trophy and a cheque for €300 and Paul Gill received a glass trophy and cheque for €200.

All three winners received vouchers for ‘Lunch for Two’ at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel.