Laois farmer in the mix for Blue Jean Queen crown

Young Mountmellick farmer Áine Roberts Murray is set to fly the flag for Laois when she competes for the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen Title.

Áine will represent Laois at the 2025 edition of the annual contest organised by Meath Macra na Feirme and the Athboy community, and sponsored by Le Chéile Credit Union.

Áine, (23), is a full-time beef and sheep farmer and member of Mountmellick Macra, left school at 16 to pursue a career in agriculture. Her passions include raising a purebred Suffolk sheep flock, local history, and movies like Crocodile Dundee and The Godfather.

A Mountmellick community advocate, she co-founded a women’s tug-of-war team and trains a sheepdog pup in her spare time. Despite her fear of frogs, she embraces life with humour, memorising song lyrics and championing mental health awareness, urging others to seek support during difficult times. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Twenty-one contestants, including a Queen from New Zealand, will arrive in Athboy, Co. Meath, on Friday, 30 May, for a weekend of free family fun days, BBQs, karaoke, and nighttime entertainment.

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Áine and her fellow contestants will begin their journey on Friday, 30 May, with team-building exercises at Causey Farm, followed by meeting their host families. The festival officially launches that evening with a pub crawl through Athboy.

Saturday, 1 June starts early with private judge interviews. In the afternoon, the Queens attend Le Chéile Credit Union’s Family Fun Day and BBQ, followed by karaoke at Floods Bar. That evening, Áine will participate in a public interview with iRadio DJ Conor Woods at St. James’ Hall before celebrating with The Fógues and DJ Conor Woods at The Darnley Lodge Hotel.

Sunday, 2 June begins with the Queens leading a Heroes vs. Villains-themed fancy dress football match to kick off the Lark in the Park at Fair Green. This free family event features live music, food stalls, children’s entertainment, and a Toy Tractor Run (prize: a John Deere Gator sponsored by Meath Farm Machinery Ltd.).

That evening, the Queens change into formal wear for the Gala Banquet at Athboy Convent Community Centre. After the banquet, they return to The Darnley Lodge Hotel in jeans for the crowning of the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen, followed by dancing to Simon Casey and DJ Conor Woods.

While the weekend prioritises fun, the winner receives a tiara, golden sash, and perpetual cup from 2024 Queen Alannah Finnegan (Cavan), plus €1,000 from Le Chéile Credit Union. Second place earns €500 (Turmec Recycling) and third €300 (Farrelly Tree Service Ltd.).