Kerry man crowned the 17th Mr Personality in Macra
The annual Mr Personality Festival took place in the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel on April 5th and 6th, where Mark Riordan took the cup back to Kerry. The festival was hosted by Kilkenny Macra and kindly sponsored by Kilkenny/Carlow and District FRS.
25 contestants travelled from across the country to Clonmel for a fun-filled weekend. On Friday afternoon, they all enjoyed a tour of Coolmore Stud, which was followed by interviews on stage with MC Michelle Heffernan of ‘Beat 102/103’. Mark, like the other contestants, entertained the audience with stories about an embarrassing moment and hobbies and interests, but also displayed his singing talents for the judges with a rendition of ‘ Will Ye Go, Lassie Go’.
On Saturday morning all the contestants had their private interview with the judges for this year’s festival who were Sarah McIntosh (Irish Country Living), Martin Merrick (Irish Farmers Journal) and Liam Comerford (former Mr Personality Festival chair).
After the interviews, they all had an opportunity to show off their jiving skills with Niall Doorhy, before heading into the final part of the judging process, the team building.
The results were announced at midnight on Saturday night after a sold-out banquet dinner dance with entertainment from hypnotist, Jason O’Callaghan and music by The Loose Cannons. In second place was Stephen Murray from Scotstown Macra (Monaghan) and in third place was Michéal Kilheeny from Mountmellick Macra (Laois).
When Mark’s name was called out as the winner, the crowd broke out into a massive cheer with Kerry flags and posters popping up across the room. Mark came on stage and gave a powerful speech, showing just how proud and shocked he was to be crowned this year’s Mr Personality. He told the crowd: “We might be going through a hard time at the moment in farming, but it can only get better and remember, to talk to one another and help is always there for you”.