There was plenty of celebrating in Kerry over the June Bank Holiday weekend as Rosie Falvey of Churchill Macra was crowned the 2026 Blue Jean Country Queen at the end of a whirlwind festival in Athboy, Co Meath.

The 21-year-old student teacher, currently studying English and Drama at Mary Immaculate College, became just the second Kerry contestant to win the coveted title. Rosie received a golden sash, tiara, perpetual trophy and €1,000 sponsored by Le Chéile Credit Union.

Second place went to Clare’s Bríd Gilligan of Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra, while Edel O’Sullivan of Freemount Macra in Avondhu claimed third.

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Organised by Meath Macra in partnership with the Athboy community, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival remains one of the highlights of the Macra calendar, bringing together contestants from across Ireland for a weekend packed with fun, friendship and unforgettable memories.

The festival began with a trip to Causey Farm, where the queens took part in team-building activities, baked bread, danced and met a variety of farm animals. The official opening and the ever-popular Nana Moon’s Pub Crawl followed later that evening.

Saturday saw contestants face interviews with judges before taking part in the Athboy street festivities and the Le Chéile Credit Union BBQ and Fun Day.

That evening, the queens took to the stage in St James’ Hall for public interviews before enjoying music from The Rurals and DJ Smiley K.

Sunday’s Old MacDonald-themed Fancy Dress Football match provided plenty of laughs and officially opened the festival’s family fun day, which featured live music, children’s entertainment, a petting zoo and the popular toy tractor run.

The weekend concluded with the Gala Banquet, where the new Blue Jean Country Queen was crowned at the stroke of midnight.

Reflecting on her victory, Rosie said: “I was absolutely blown away, it hasn’t even sunk in yet!”

She also praised the Athboy community for their warm welcome and paid tribute to her fellow contestants, saying the judges had “a really, really hard job” because every contestant was worthy of the title.

Rosie now looks forward to spending the year representing the festival, travelling the country and promoting both Macra and the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival.