Amy keeps it in the family as Blue Jean crown goes to Waterford
The Blue Jean Country Queen crown returned to the Déise for the first time in 22 years at the weekend. On Sunday, Amy Coffey was crowned the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen at the festival sponsored by Le Chéile Credit Union and organised by Meath Macra na Feirme and the Athboy community over the June bank holiday weekend.
Amy, a 22-year-old secondary school teacher and member of Cappoquin Macra na Feirme, received a perpetual trophy, golden sash, tiara, and €1,000 from main sponsor Le Chéile Credit Union.
Her victory marks Waterford Macra’s second win, following her aunt Carol Byrne’s triumph in 2003. Second prize (€500, sponsored by Turmec Recycling) went to Heather O’Connell from Avondhu (Cork), an agricultural science student and Awbeg Macra member. Third prize (€300, sponsored by Farrelly Tree Care) was awarded to Mary O’Reilly, a quality control co-ordinator from Limerick Macra.
Throughout the weekend, Amy and the 20 other contestants took part in a whirlwind of activities, including on-stage interviews, fancy-dress football, a BBQ with Le Chéile Credit Union, and karaoke with organisers and judges.
The festival began casually on Friday with a visit to Causey Farm. There, the Queens participated in team-building exercises including baking bread, dancing, and interacting with puppies, alpacas, and other animals. The day concluded with the official opening at the Darnley Lodge Hotel.
Saturday featured private interviews with judges: former Mr Personality winner John Martin Carroll; Aileen Harte McMurtry, 1997 Meath Blue Jean Country Queen; and Linda Croston of New York’s Croston Flood Recruiting.
After a BBQ and fun day hosted by Le Chéile Credit Union, the Queens sang karaoke at Flood’s Bar. That evening, iRadio’s Conor Woods hosted the McNamara Feeds Queens’ Interviews at a packed St James’ Hall, followed by The Fógues live in the Darnley Lodge Hotel.
On Sunday, the Queens played a Heroes vs Villains-themed Fancy Dress Football match, kicking off the Meath Farm Machinery Ltd Lark in the Park family fun day. The event included live music, children’s races, a petting zoo, puppet shows, and a Toy Tractor Run. The Houlihan Engineering Gala Banquet at Athboy Convent Community Centre followed that evening, after which the Queens returned to the Darnley Lodge Hotel to find out the results and celebrated long into the night with Simon Casey and DJ Conor Woods.
When asked to reflect on becoming the 2025 Blue Jean Country Queen, Amy said, “It’s a great honour to be the second Waterford winner..." She continued: "The weekend was amazing; I loved every second. I met incredible girls and the committee, sponsors, Athboy locals, my host family, and my own supporters were all fantastic."