ELLEN Lucey has been confirmed as Carbery’s representative for this year’s Blue Jean Country Queen Festival.

BY FREYA MAY SHORTEN

In all 21 participants – including overseas entries from France - will be arriving in Athboy for the festival, organised by Meath Macra, on Friday May 29th.

Ellen and the other 20 queens will have an experience like no other.

She will take part in a fun, team-building exercise, at Causey Farm. Afterwards, she will meet her local host family, who she will be staying with for the duration of the weekend.

The festival will officially begin on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, participants will give their own private interviews to the judges.

That afternoon they will attend the Saturday Street Market, which will feature live music and dancing. The festival’s main sponsor, Le Chéile Credit Union, will be hosting their annual Family Fun Day Barbeque, followed by karaoke in Flood’s Bar.

On Saturday night Ellen will have her public interview alongside former 2 Johnnies  co-host Maura Fay. On Sunday morning all 21 queens will parade through the streets for the Lark in the Park fun day and a fancy dress football
match.

That night, the women will change from their muddy fancy dress costumes into formal wear, joining sponsors, committee and other dignitaries for the JMCK Building Solutions Gala Banquet inside The Darnley Lodge Hotel.

The winner of the 2026 Blue Jean Country Queen will finally be announced and crowned, before the women dance the night away to The Blarneys, followed by DJ Smiley K.

While the festival is mostly about having a bit of craic, there are also prizes to be won. The winner will be presented with a tiara, golden sash and perpetual cup by last year’s winner, Amy Coffey from
Waterford.

First place also wins a cash prize of €1,000 from Le Chéile Union, while second prize receives €500 from Farrelly Tree Care Services and third prize is €300 from Meath Farm Machinery Ltd.

Tickets and further information can be found at www.bluejeancountryqueen.com or on social media by following the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok.