The ‘Mr. Personality Festival’ took place in Kilkenny over the weekend – in what is a popular event for young farmers from around the country – with a number of young rural-dwellers competing for the top prize.
The festival was hosted by Kilkenny Macra na Feirme and sponsored by Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services.
On Friday night the contestants were interviewed on stage by MC Shane O’Keeffe; this was followed on Saturday by challenges where the 29 contestants battled it in a bowling contest.
After lunch, the individual interviews took place, where the competitors were quizzed by the judges on a range of topics.
‘Very high standard’
Before commencement of the Informal Banquet – which was attended by over 300 people – each participant was presented with their memento of the weekend by George Collier, from Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services.
All three judges were in agreement that there was a very high standard of entrants and they had represented their clubs and counties well.
Anthony was presented with a €500 cheque, a perpetual trophy and a weekend break in the Springhill Court Hotel, Co. Kilkenny.
Top 3
Anthony is from Camross and is a 32-year-old sawmill operative. Currently the vice chairperson for Camross Macra, he has been active in a host of Macra events and competitions this year at county level and beyond including: debating; public speaking; beef stockjudging; and indoor soccer, among others.
In second place was Barry Walsh from Carbery, Co. Cork; the 23-year-old farmer from Ballinascarthy Macra received a trophy and a cheque for €300.
Representing north Tipperary, Conor Keating took third prize on the night. Conor is a 28-year-old farmer and construction worker, as well as an active member of Nenagh Macra. He was presented with a trophy and €200.