Kmflett's Blog

Beard Liberation Front

11th March

Contact Keith Flett @keithbeard.bsky.social

BEARD OF IRELAND 2025 POLL: Shortlist of four for Beard Off Final Vote

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that competition for the Irish Beard of the Year 2025 is bristling with the shortlist of four contenders for the Beard Off Final vote now agreed after two Close Shave rounds of voting

In the first Close Shave Round Roy Keane and Gerry Carroll tied for first place and in the second Close Shave round Jamie Dornan and Colum Eastwood were the victors. All four now go to the Beard Off Final

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 2023 and 2024

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 2025 include a diverse range of the hirsute- an academic, rugby player, political activists, a broadcaster, an actor

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 2025 Beard of Ireland Award is bristling with the winner announced on 17th March. Congratulations to the four finalists and commiserations to former winners Aodhan Connolly and Peter Coles who havent made the cut this year. We are well aware that the current on-line voting arrangement is far from ideal and hope this can resolved before too long

There are two preliminary Beard Off votes. The top two from each round go on to a Best Beard of Ireland vote

The Beard Off Final vote will take place on 13th and 14th March 2025

The vote is on-line pinned @kmflett. Because of issues with this platform votes can also be cast @keithbeard.bsky.social or by replying to this post

Beard of Ireland 2025

William Crawley, broadcaster

Gerry Carroll, politician

Jamison Gibson-Park, rugby player

Roy Keane, football pundit

Peter Coles, academic, Maynooth

Aodhán Connolly, Business Advocate

Colum Eastwood, politician

Jamie Dornan, actor