Beard of Ireland 2023 Poll sees Aodhan Connolly retain title after challenge from Maynooth Academic

Beard Liberation Front

17th March

Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266

BEARD OF IRELAND 2023 POLL SEES AODHAN CONNOLLY RETAIN TITLE AFTER CHALLENGE FROM MAYNOOTH ACADEMIC

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that competition for the Irish Beard of the Year 2023 has officially concluded with Aodhan Connolly retaining his title. Maynooth academic Peter Coles came second

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 2023 included a diverse range of the hirsute- a golfer, rugby player, political and trade union activists, a broadcaster, an academic.

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 bristled but we congratulate Aodhan Connolly in retaining his title. He may be physically based in Brussels but his beard remains firmly Irish.

There were two preliminary Beard Off votes. The top two from each round went 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

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