The Kilkenny City Macra na Feirme Annual Black Tie Ball will be held in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel this Saturday, February 10.

Run by Kilkenny city’s branch of the young farmers’ association, a great night has been promised – with some eye-catching door and raffle prizes up for grabs on the night.

Some of the prizes to be won include: a two-night stay at the Absolute Hotel Limerick; and a three-month gym membership at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel leisure centre – with plenty more on offer on the night.

A cocktail reception will start from 6:30pm, followed by a four-course meal at 7:30pm sharp. The band for the night is ‘The Irresistibles’, followed by a DJ until late.

There will be special room rates in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel and free car parking for the occasion.

Everyone is welcome to attend, both members and non-members alike; tickets cost €35. Anyone interested can email the club at: [email protected] or get in touch through the branch’s Facebook page.

Countdown begins to Blue Jean Country Queen Festival

Meanwhile, Meath Macra’s Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has released a short video of participants and organisers describing the event in their own words ahead of this year’s get-together.

The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival’s official videographer Patrick Brogan of Macavity Films, with the help of Robert Lucas from R&D Audio, has gathered interviews conducted over the past two years with winning Blue Jean County Queens, national presidents of Macra na Feirme and members of Meath Macra na Feirme past and present.

The result is a video where the people who know the festival best explain the festival in their own words, according to the organisers.

The Blue Jean Country Queen Festival 2018 will take place from June 1 to June 4 in Athboy, Co. Meath. Further details can be found on the event’s Facebook page.