Castlebar Macra member to represent Mayo at Blue Jean Country Queen Festival 2024

Aoife Gibbons proudly represents Mayo in the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen Festival, organised by Meath Macra na Feirme in collaboration with the Athboy community.

Twenty-three young women, including Aoife, will converge in Athboy, Co. Meath, for this year's festival, commencing on Friday, May 31.

Meath Macra na Feirme and the people of Athboy have curated a diverse array of events for the entire weekend, including two free family fun days, a BBQ, karaoke, and a weekend filled with nighttime entertainment. Contestants hail from Macra regions nationwide, alongside a Queen from Latvia.

Aoife Gibbons and the other twenty-two expected Queens will arrive in Athboy on Friday, May 31st. Over the bank holiday weekend, Aoife 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 starts on Friday evening with a pub crawl through Athboy.

Aoife Gibbons, a member of Castlebar Macra and a student, enjoys a variety of hobbies including farming, animals, travelling, and cars. She loves animals and will turn anything with four legs into a house pet. Aoife is always up for an adventure and considers all footwear a pair of wellies.

Saturday begins early for Aoife 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, Aoife and the other Queens will undergo public interviews at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, followed by a night of music with Rhythm and Sticks, and DJ Conor Woods.

On Sunday morning, Aoife 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 a Toy Tractor Run sponsored by Meath Farm Machinery Ltd. The day's highlight is the Barbenheimer-themed fancy dress football match.

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 by a celebratory dance to the tunes of The Druids and 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 perpetual cup presented by the 2023 Queen, 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.