A Laois local is set to represent his county with pride this week at the 19th annual Mr Personality Festival.

Abbeyleix man Joe Foyle will represent Laois Macra at the upcoming festival, organised by Kilkenny County Macra. The festival will take place from April 10 to April 11.

Mr Foyle is 35 years old and is an active member of Durrow / Abbeyleix Macra. He has said that getting to act as escort to past Macra president, Elaine Houlihan, during The Queen of the Land festival was one of his most memorable Macra moments.

The Abbeyleix man's interests include country music, socialising and attending Macra events.

He had said that he believes he will make a good representative for Laois Macra because he has been a long standing Macra member and would love to get the chance to promote Macra further.

"I'm looking forward to it, it'll be a great event," Mr Foyle told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The Laois members have been very encouraging, telling me that it's a great experience and to go and enjoy it," he said.

Mr Foyle said this his taking part was a last minute decision, and he was surprised to hear his name called out. He is encouraging Laois locals to join their local Macra branches.

"I'm involved 16 years now, it's great craic. We have a very big catchment area. Since the pandemic, different local clubs are seeing a lot more people signing up and joining.

"Macra is great for the social aspect, we have our Friday night club meetings and it's great to meet up for a chat. You get to meet new people and have good fun at the county meetings, and when clubs in other counties hold quizzes and other events," he said.

"I'd encourage everyone to join Laois Macra," he finished.

Mr Foyle has held various different roles at both club and county level and is currently the chairperson of his club in Durrow / Abbeyleix Macra. 

One of the judges at this year's festival includes our very own Laois Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins.

Contestants in the Mr Personality Festival will take part in a jam-packed week of activities and fun events.

The Macra members will arrive in Kilkenny at 1:30pm on Friday 10 where they will embark on their first group activity of the weekend.

There are exciting times ahead as the Mr Personality Festival heads to Langton’s Hotel Kilkenny for the very first time. The festival has been kindly sponsored by Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services.

One of the highlights of the festival each year is the on-stage interviews, which will kick off at 7:00pm in The Ball Room, Langton’s Hotel.

The on-stage interviews will be conducted by the event's MC Aindriú de Paor from 2FM, which means it is sure to be full of laughs and fun-filled entertainment along the way.

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This will be followed by music from the much- anticipated ‘The Deere Johns’ and DJ until late. Judging the contestants this year will be 2025 Laois Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins; Influencer, James Kavanagh and UCD assistant professor, Brian Leonard.

Joe will have an early start on Saturday morning with contestants conducting private interviews with our judges. Once the interviews are finished, the contestant’s challenges will take place which will see Joe being put through his paces!

On Saturday evening, Joe will be donning his suit and meeting with Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services to have their official photos taken. This is followed by the banquet, starting at 7pm.

‘Sweet Freedom’ will be playing hit after hit, until Mr Personality 2026 is announced at 12 midnight. The DJ will be continuing the celebrations until the early morning.

"Kilkenny County Macra ensures that the weekend will be action-packed for all attending with numerous activities and other surprises along the way during the weekend in Kilkenny," organisers said.

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Tickets for the weekend are currently on sale and can be purchased here.

Full details and necessary links are available on the Mr Personality Festival social media pages.