The queen is coming!
Cork is gearing up for the a visit from the queen who told the Cork Independent she is looking forward to tasting some local seafood, Barry’s Tea and Murphy’s stout during her visit.
Caleigh Griffin, the Queen of Detroit United Irish Societies, will be visiting Cork next week which she said she is very excited about.
She said: “Back at home in Detroit, we have Corktown, which was named after Cork because many of the earliest settlers of the city came from Cork through Cobh before finding their permanent homes in the Detroit neighbourhood. I am excited to see all that Cork has to offer!”
While in Cobh, Caleigh said she wants to see the Heritage Centre, the Annie Moore statue and St Colman’s Church.
“I am also looking forward to the Michael Collins Museum and meeting with the newly elected mayor of Cork. I have had the opportunity to meet with former mayors and County Council members in the past and I am excited to continue to strengthen the bond between Cork and Corktown, Detroit.
“On my last night in Cork, I am going to the Network Ireland dinner and I am excited to meet with everyone that will be there, but in particular, with the female entrepreneurs. Not only am I looking forward to seeing these amazing women in a leading role, but also to speak with them personally, on how they empower the women of Cork, and how I might share that, with not only my fellow Court members Abigail Howles and Claudia Rea, but also with the women in my profession and throughout the Detroit area.”
Abigail and Claudia were the runners-up in the contest to become the Queen of Detroit United Irish Societies.
Caleigh said she is looking forward to trying Cork delicacies such as fresh seafood, Barry’s tea, scones, ice cream, and Murphy’s stout!
“I have only ever heard great things about the food and drinks in the Cork area and I am ready to try them fresh, in person, and enjoyed the way they should be - off the coast of Cork,” she added.
She continued: “Aside from the events and places that I mentioned earlier, I will be spending most of my time in Clonakilty. While there, I will be seeing the Clonakilty Distillery, Model Railway Village, and Cllr Declan Hurley’s dairy farm, along with a Glenilen farm tour.
“I know that agriculture is a very big part of Ireland’s economy, and I am looking forward to seeing how these farms give back to county Cork and Ireland, but I also have a special spot in my heart for animal agriculture with my career in veterinary medicine.”
The contest
Contestants range from 17-24 and have to be of Irish descent, never married and without children. Each contestant submits a biograph, her knowledge on Irish history and why she wishes to be in the programme.
The Queen and Court is selected yearly in early February. Each girl has the opportunity to be interviewed before a live audience and a panel of judges will score her on her knowledge of Irish history and culture. Her presentation and poise are also scored. At the end, three girls are chosen to represent the Irish community for one year. The queen is awarded a trip to Ireland while the runners-up are awarded a scholarship to further their education.