'Dunne deal' Laois man wins national Macra Mr Personality contest

A Laois man has gone and Dunne it, winning the Macra na Feirme Mr Personality contest.

Andrew Dunne, 31, an active member of Mountmellick Macra na Feirme was chosen to represent Laois at the annual fun festival, held over the weekend of April 14 and 15 in the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel.

Andrew who proudly takes home the big cup to Mountmellick and Laois, is a talented man.  

His hobbies and interests include playing music, GAA, badminton, going to concerts, and quizzes, described by his club as "a man of many talents". 

Speaking ahead of the contest, Andrew was just up for the craic and not expecting to win.

“That is for someone else to decide, but I am just going to have the craic with the other lads, make new friends and if I win it would be absolutely fantastic and if not it will hopefully still be a weekend to remember,” he said. 

His name was announced after a banquet and a jam-packed weekend of activities and challenges, including on-stage interviews by the new Master of Ceremonies for 2023, Miss Michelle Heffernan from Beat 102-103, and a private interview by a judging panel.   

He is congratulated by his club and Laois Macra.

"Massive congratulations to our club member, the new Mr Personality 2023 Andrew Dunne. He did the club and county proud at the weekend. Hon the Mointeach. Laois Abu!," said Mountmellick Macra.

Leinster Macra described the win as a "Dunne deal".

"So it was a Dunne deal after all! Well done to Andrew Dunne from Mountmellick Macra in Laois who has been crowned Mr Personality 2023. Well done to James Cassidy from Seandún in 2nd place. Well done to Paul Gill from Longwood/Killyon Macra in 3rd place.

"Well done to all the contestants who represented themselves and their clubs so well. Well done to the committee who put on a fantastic weekend for everyone and thank you for all the hard work and long hours you put in to make it great. Macra, your club, your people," they said.

Laois family doing their Bit in memory of beloved brother and Grandad

The 16th Annual Mr Personality Festival was organised by Kilkenny County Macra na Feirme, sponsored by Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services.