Kilkenny queen ready for Blue Jeans festival

Áine Walton will represent Kilkenny at the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, running from Friday, 30 May to Monday, 2 June, organised by Meath Macra na Feirme and the Athboy community, and sponsored by Le Chéile Credit Union.

Áine (27), a nurse and member of Callan Macra, hails from Tipperary but proudly represents her adopted Kilkenny club. Her hobbies include GAA, farming, Macra activities, and music.

Known for her dedication to community roles, she serves as both her Macra club secretary and a sideline supporter for her local GAA team—though she jokes, “You’ll never catch me on the pitch!”.

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Twenty-one contestants, including a Queen from New Zealand, will arrive in Athboy, Co. Meath, on Friday, 30 May, for a weekend of free family fun days, BBQs, karaoke, and nighttime entertainment.

Áine and her fellow contestants will begin their journey on Friday, 30 May, with team-building exercises at Causey Farm, followed by meeting their host families. The festival officially launches that evening with a pub crawl through Athboy.

Saturday, 31 May starts early with private judges interviews. In the afternoon, the Queens attend Le Chéile Credit Union’s Family Fun Day and BBQ, followed by karaoke at Floods Bar. That evening, Áine will participate in a public interview with iRadio DJ Conor Woods at St. James’ Hall before celebrating with The Fógues and DJ Conor Woods at The Darnley Lodge Hotel.

Sunday, 1 June begins with the Queens leading a Heroes vs. Villains-themed fancy dress football match to kick off the Lark in the Park at Fair Green. This free family event features live music, food stalls, children’s entertainment, and a Toy Tractor Run (prize: a John Deere Gator sponsored by Meath Farm Machinery Ltd.).

That evening, the Queens change into formal wear for the Gala Banquet at Athboy Convent Community Centre. After the banquet, they return to The Darnley Lodge Hotel in jeans for the crowning of the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen, followed by dancing to Simon Casey followed by DJ Conor Woods.

While the weekend prioritises fun, the winner receives a tiara, golden sash, and perpetual cup from 2024 Queen Alannah Finnegan (Cavan), plus €1,000 from Le Chéile Credit Union. Second place earns €500 (Turmec Recycling) and third €300 (Farrelly Tree Service Ltd.).

Tickets and details: www.bluejeancountryqueen.com or follow Blue Jean Country Queen Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.