44th Annual Queen of the Land
2008 Queen of the Land is a resounding success
The 44th annual Queen of the Land festival which took place in Tullamore over the past three days has once again proved to be a resounding success. Huge crowds attended this years festival from all over Ireland due, in no small part, to the fantastic line up of entertainment and 26 entries from all four corners of the Country all competing for the prestigious title of Queen of The Land 2008.
Friday night kicked off with a packed house to see local comedian Neil Delamere, who entertained the crowd and Queens alike with a highly amusing comedy show, followed by dancing into the wee small hours of the morning.Saturday morning, bright and early the Queens were interviewed by our three eminent Judges. From our main sponsors, The Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country living, Mr. Darragh Mullin, news correspondent with The Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country Living newspaper, Miss Yvonne Daly, the 2007 Queen of the Land and prominent local business man Mr. Christy Maye. Many locals on the towns streets provided much help and guidance when the Queens were sent on a treasure hunt to visit many local land marks. Introductions to a fine selection of escorts proved extremely entertaining. These fine young men were to be at their beck and call for the weekend. Moving onto the Tullamore Court Hotel, the queens were put through their paces on stage with compere Grainne Kelly and danced the night away to top band the Aftermath. On Sunday morning, despite the late nights, the queens attended Mass with a performance from the Tullamore Gospel choir. Bowling was next on the agenda and a quick turnaround for the gathering in the Hotel foyer for Photographs and banquet. We were very honoured this year to have Mairead Mc Guinness as guest speaker. Other distinguished guests included Mairead Lavery, Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country living, Miss Catherine Buckley, National President of Macra na Feirme, Ger Maher, Chairperson Offaly Macra na Feirme and Nigel Larkin, President of the Queen of the Land committee.
Nerves were beginning to show for the announcement at Midnight. To huge crowds and cheers, the queens were piped in by Brian Meacle. Announcing the winners, judge and reigning Queen Yvonne Daly complimented the queens for the extremely high calibre of girl that entered this. She wished them well for the coming year laughingly advising them, they would need plenty of stamina to keep up with the entertaining year ahead of them. It fell then to Darragh Mullin to announce the winners. Second runner up this year is Noreen O’Shea from Killarney in Co. Kerry. An architectural student in Cork and chairperson of her Club in Killarney.
In second place came, from Seandun, Emily O’Connell. Although studying for her finals as a nurse, Emily managed to create an impression with the judges. It may have something to do with her castrating bulls.
Amid much tension the winner of the Queen of the Land for 2008 was announced, from Dublins U.C.D. Club Kate Harrison. Huge cheers erupted from the crowd and amid tears and laughter, Kate was crowned
Queen for 2008. Joined on stage by her delighted family, champagne corks popped, and the cameras flashed, all eager to get a glimpse of our glamourous Queen for 2008. Also a student, the ag science block in Belfield will no doubt be buzzing with the news of this win for many weeks to come.
The partying continued into the night with fabulous entertainment from Fiesta and capping off the night was our regular party man Timmy Chambers.
In all it was another successful year, thanks in no small part to our Queens, sponsors, committee and the many supporters that came from all over the country.