Beard Liberation Front
15th March
Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266
BEARD OF IRELAND 2023 FOUR FACE OFF IN BEARD OFF FINAL
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that competition for the Irish Beard of the Year 2023 has reached the Beard Off Final.
William Crawley and Peter Coles won the first Trim Off round and Aodhan Connolly and Shane Lowry won the second Trim Off
The 2017 winner was politician Colum Eastwood who bearded broadcaster William Crawley for the annual Award.
In 2018 the DUP’s Lee Reynolds shaved writer Dominic O’Reilly for the honour with Colum Eastwood in a steady third place.
In 2019 Lee Reynolds retained the title
The 2020 winner was Maynooth academic Peter Coles
In 2021 Aodhan Connolly shaved opponents to win the coveted title and he retained it in 2022
The BLF says that while traditionally a land of predominantly clean-shaven cultures, Ireland has in recent times become something of a centre for stylish and trendy beards.
Contenders for the title in 2022 include a diverse range of the hirsute- a golfer, rugby player, political and trade union activists, a broadcaster, an academic as well as a Health Minister.
The campaigners say the poll is specifically about the impact the beard of an individual has made in Irish public life and no other factor.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, competition for the 2023 Beard of Ireland Award has reached the final follicle fight with the winner announced on 17th March
There will be two preliminary Beard Off votes. The top two from each round will then go on to a Best Beard of Ireland vote
Beard of Ireland 2023
William Crawley, broadcaster
Matthew O’Toole, politician
Jamison Gibson-Park, rugby player
Peter Coles, academic, Maynooth University
Shane Lowry, golfer
Aodhán Connolly, Businessman
Colum Eastwood politician
Owen Reidy, General Secretary ICTU
Kmflett's Blog 
As an Irishman presently living in Britain, I suspect the Front’s shortlist was compiled in this offshore country. Back on the mainland, actor James Martin – who picked up an Oscar on his birthday, wearing a leopard-print jacket and a fine facial plumage – is the people’s choice.
Reblogged this on In the Dark and commented:
Well, I got through the first round by a whisker but I’m up against stiff competition in the final. Please consider giving me a vote if you can stand interacting with the Bird site!