RACHEL Knox was crowned Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival Queen 2025, at the Newport Queen Celebration Night, on July 4 in Hotel Newport.

Rachel was representing Chambers Taxis, Newport making this a second in a row for them as their daughter Elaina was last year’s winner.

Rachel was one of nine highly articulated and talented contestants who sang, danced, played instruments, and recited original poetry to entertain the audience and prove their suitability to become Festival Queen.

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The competition was strong and adjudicator Mayo Rose, Clara Gardiner accompanied by her sister Chloe and Caragh Ryan had a hard decision to make but the strenuous applause as Rachel was presented with her crown by last year’s queen, Elaina Chambers confirmed the right decision had been made.

Rachel is from Ardagh, Newport and lives with her parents Lorraine and Allen and her grandparents are Agnes and Bertie Carmichael. Rachel comes from a very musical background and her ambition is to keep writing music.

The line-up of the other contestants and the businesses they represented is as follows:
Anna Chambers, (Nevin’s Bar); Annie McGreevy, (Patricia’s Boutique); Hannah Sheehy, (Kelly’s Kitchen); Erin Tempany, (O’Malley Transport); Alice Chambers, (Hotel Newport); Ashleigh Whyte, (Hairs and Sirs); Amber Corcoran, (Newport Pickle Ball); Leona Cafferty, (Nevins Newfield Inn).

A big thank you is expressed to Elaina for all her work during her reign as Festival Queen 2024, she did a fantastic job.

Also, to the businesses for sponsoring the contenders and to the 2025 girls themselves for coming forward and giving everyone such an entertaining evening; A big shout out to the escorts who accompanied them, you did a wonderful job.

GENEROSITY

RACHEL received a wonderful gift bag and the following sponsors are thanked for their generosity: Jack Dylan Jewellers, Westport; Staunton’s Pharmacy, Castlebar; Boots, Westport and Castlebar; Darians Hair Salon Westport, Quay Beauty Westport, Mall Boutique Westport, Hairs & Sirs Unisex Hair Dressers, Newport; and The Gráinne Uaile Festival Committee.

The Celebration night was a great success and was well supported; the committee thanks Co-Hosts Sarah Chambers Webb and Kenneth Keane for a brilliant job done; Sarah left nothing unturned and Kenneth was full of wit ensuring between them the audience were well informed and entertained.

Special thanks are given to all who bought seat tickets and to all who sold and bought raffle tickets in support of this fundraiser for the upcoming Festival.

A big thanks is expressed and to the generous businesses who donated such truly fabulous prizes for the raffle, namely - Gerry McGuires, Castlebar, United 7, Castlebar, Hotel Newport, Nevins Newfield Inn, Teddy's Fashion Westport, Doherty Menswear, Castlebar, Brodrick’s Electricals, Castlebar, Fahy's, Castlebar, The Castlecourt Hotel, Westport and Carraig Donn, Westport.

Thank you, Hotel Newport for offering their function room once again for the Celebration Night; as usual the food was delicious and the room looked beautiful.

Thank you to DJ Pat Coyne for the great music and entertainment and last but not least, thank you to photographer Michael Quinn, the photos are fantastic as always.

This was yet another great community event only made possible by the generous input of our wonderful community. Long may the tradition continue and long may community spirit thrive.

Congratulations and well done to all involved, roll on the Festival, the countdown is on for the August Bank Holiday.

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