Queen of the Castle title up for grabs in Cahir
Local girl Roisin Flannery will represent South Tipperary in the event
The contestants vying for the Macra na Feirme Queen of the Castle title gathered in Cahir today for a weekend full of activity and glamour.
Local girl Roisin Flannery from Clonmore South, Cahir will fly the flag for South Tipperary in the prestigious Macra event, with 22 women from all over Ireland hoping to be crowned Queen of the Castle on Sunday.
“I heard the weekend is great fun so I am really looking forward to it,” said Roisin, who has just qualified as a veterinary nurse and works at the Clonmel Veterinary Clinic on the Davis Road in Clonmel.
Roisin, who joined Macra in January, grew up on a small farm run by her Dad Joe, who works full time in ABP in Cahir and her mother Ann passed away six years ago. She has one brother, Ódhran who is 22 years old.
Roisin said she would be thinking of her late mother throughout the weekend as she had always encouraged her in life.
“She always said she did not care what we did as long as we were happy,” said Roisin.
24-year-old Roisin is enjoying life as a Macra member, getting to know so many people and taking part in all of the social activities involved with being a member.
“We have a new Macra branch in Cahir and it is a great place to meet people. We are always busy and we have just started to take golf lessons, which is good fun,” said Roisin.
Roisin went to primary school in Ballylooby and to secondary school in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh before going on to college in Athlone.
She was only selected to take part in the event in June after a successful interview.
“I was shocked to be selected as the South Tipp Queen, and I am really looking forward to the weekend,” said Roisin, who is sponsored by Catherine Ryan of Ryan Marketing Solutions.
The Queens arrived in Cahir on Friday morning where a full day of activity awaits them followed by a tipsy tavern trail and ending with a traditional music session. With music in venues around town there is something for everyone this weekend.
On Saturday there are more activities in town with a free Line Dancing Workshop as part of the Festival, note change of venue, the workshop will now take place at Cahir Community Hall on Saturday, August 1, from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. So whether you're a complete beginner or already know the steps, everyone is welcome. Come along, learn some new moves, meet new people, and enjoy a great afternoon of dancing with the Tipperary Line Dancers! There is also a Karaoke and finally the Queens live interviews take place in Cahir House Hotel on Saturday, August 1 at 7pm with Today FM radio presenter and Tipperary native Cathal Minogue back once again as MC followed by music by Ellie Peters, Cliona Hagan and DJ Mad Mike till late. Tickets are €25.
The main day of the Festival is on Sunday, August 2 and it includes a free family fun day in the Inch Field with plenty of entertainment and music with local singers and Loose Cannons. Side shows and kids races are being organised by Cahir Youths Tidy Towns Group and Comhairle and will include the very popular Comhairle na nog Color Run. The Cahir Community Hall Committee will be holding a Fundraising Raffle as part of activities in the Inch Field on Sunday and look forward to your support on the day. A new addition this year is free live music on the Square afterwards with ‘The Wahey’s’ at 5pm on Sunday.
The Coronation Banquet is the last event of the weekend and takes place in Cahir House Hotel on Sunday evening of August 2, with doors opening at 6.30pm. A Four Course Meal is served at 7pm sharp. Tickets for the Banquet are €65 and must be booked with the committee. Just message them to reserve a seat. The 2026 Queen of the Castle will be announced at midnight, so don’t miss out. Music on the night is by Tradstone and Rebel Hearts Band. Tickets for the Afters music are only €25. These can be purchased on our website www.queenofthecastlefestival.com or on the door on the night.