It was a big weekend in Tullamore last weekend for the WR Shaw Queen of the Land Festival. Although Offally were the hosts, it was Kerry that took away the title. Congratulations to Christine Buckley from Killeen Tiernan who said it the “most memorable weekend ever”. Contestants were judged on a range of attributes. The event is primarily a personality contest with marks also on offer for appearance, dress sense, rural knowledge and elocution. The festival, which has grown from humble beginnings, is now one of the most prestigious events on the Offaly social calendar. Huge crowds attended this year’s festival from all over Ireland due in no small part to the fantastic lineup of entertainment.