Ballymore woman is Kildare's Queen at Macra Festival

A WOMAN from Ballymore Eustace will represent Kildare in Macra na Feirme’s Blue Jean Festival in Athboy, Co Meath at the end of the month.

“I’ve been a long-time GAA supporter so I’m thrilled to be representing the Lilywhites,” said Gillian Murphy (34).

“It’s kind of like a country version of the Rose of Tralee, like a country queen festival.

“It’s a big community festival running from 30 May to 2 June.

“Some Macra events around the country are held in hotels, but this is bigger for the area.

“I’m 10 years in Macra now, and I got into this from being PRO in my own GAA club, to being PRO for Naas Macra.

“Every queen will stay with a host family in Athboy for the three nights.

“We’re having a pub crawl on Friday night, before meeting with the judges on Saturday, before onstage interviews that night.

“On the Sunday, there is a game of fancy dress football with the theme of villains versus heroes before the parade and a field day for the kids.

“That night there’s a banquet, and Simon Casey will ply the music, so there’s a good bit in it,” she said.

There will be a total of 21 queens participating, including one from New Zealand.

Gillian had to put her name down to represent her club, and then go through a series of interviews with the president of Leinster Macra.

Gillian is the PRO of Naas Macra and works as the equipment co-ordinator and safety administrator for Conal’s Tree Service in Blessington.

“It’s very different and very busy, but I like it!” she laughed.

“I don’t go up the trees myself, I’m not that brave! I just get the equipment, and make sure all the gear and certs are in place before they can go up a tree,” she said.

“It’s not for everyone, it is a brave job, but they find it very fulfilling.

“I am delighted to be representing Kildare, because I am very Kildare! both parents and all four grandparents are Kildare,” she said.