Portlaoise Macra member represents Laois at Queen of the Castle Festival

placeholder image — Portlaoise Macra member Jean Marnell.

Portlaoise Macra member Jean Marnell represented Laois in the inaugural Queen of the Castle Festival held in Tipperary at the weekend.

The event was organised by Rathkeevin Macra which is based in south Tipperary to celebrate its 65th anniversary.

18 queens represented some of the 31 Macra regions across the country, the UK and the EU and competed in a bid to be crowned the inaugural Queen of the Castle at the coronation banquet on Sunday, August 4.

"Jean is a member of Portlaoise Macra and she has been PRO for her club and her region and was chairperson in 2022 for their 70th anniversary. Jean is a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants. She is currently learning to swim and run 5km. She adores dogs. Jean was part of the team who competed in the National Bowling finals in 2021," the festival programme said.

Jean was well supported by her club members during the festival in Cahil over the bank holiday weekend.

The winner of the Queen of the Castle was Ciara Duffy from Monaghan, second place went to Caitríona Power from Clare and third place was Aiesha Hurley from Carbery, Cork.

Well done Jean!