Ploughman is Ballinspittle's first Prickly Rose winner

THE men of Ballinspittle are certainly not shy when it comes to slapping on the make-up and wearing high heels, judging by the contestants at last weekend’s very first Prickly Rose competition, which took place in the Community Hall.

The event was held to raise funds for this summer’s Ballinspittle Festival.

Miss Jimima, aka Jimmy Nyhan, who is an All-Ireland Ploughing Champion, swapped his tractor and plough for shocking pink leggings and heels – and it was all worth it when he was crowned Prickly Rose 2017 by a panel of four judges.

‘We had never held such an event before so we rallied around as many men as possible to take part in the competition and we finally ended up with 10 men, including a set of twins who were all up for the challenge,’ said Orla Collins, a member of Ballinspittle Festival committee.

‘In fairness, the men had no qualms about dressing up and strutting their stuff in front of a panel of judges and it exceeded all our expectations. It was great fun, too, as people were in hysterics all night.’

Taking their inspiration from The Rose of Tralee, they even had two locals dressed up as Dáithí Ó Sé and Miriam O’Callaghan to act as MCs for the night, and the contestants were put through their paces as they each had to answer five questions, as well as do a party piece.

‘You just couldn’t fault the contestants and even my own brother Patrick took part and he loved it. I’m still waiting to get my dress back from him, though. Some people said he wore it better than me,’ revealed Orla.

The night was a roaring success and will help the festival committee plan another successful Ballinspittle Festival this year.

For his effort in being crowned Prickly Rose 2017, Miss Jimima was awarded a tiara, a sash and a travel voucher – as well as a bunch of ‘prickly’ roses, of course.