For the first time. a woman from Cavan has won the Blue Jean Country Queen title. Alannah Finnegan from Arva, who is a member of the 3 Provinces Macra, describes her family as "hobby" farmers with sheep in the front garden .
She explained that Macra has evolved away from being an organisation for just young farmers into something for all rural youth. Alannah said Macra, which, in the past has produced local politicians and future leaders of farming organisations, is now a social outlet where there is an emphasis on sports, communications and developing a range of skills.
A data analyst who speaks Italian and Portuguese, 26-year-old Alannah claimed the 2024 Blue Jean Country Queen over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Alannah told Joe Finnegan she aims to settle down in either Cavan or Monaghan with her boyfriend from Castleblayney: "Yeah, there's lots of community groups and stuff I'm involved in the Agriculture Show in Arva and that's another reason to stay at home and, you know, we have events throughout the year that would encourage me to stay around and get involved."