Kmflett's Blog

Beard Liberation Front

13th March

Contact Keith Flett @keithbeard.bsky.social

BEARD OF IRELAND 2025 VOTE: Shortlist of Four announced

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that competition for the Irish Beard of the Year 2026 is bristling with the shortlist of four contenders announced

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

In 2025 politician Gerry Carroll won the vote

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 2026 include a diverse range of the hirsute- an academic, political activist, a broadcaster, a TV pundit

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 2026 Beard of Ireland Award is bristling with the winner announced on 17th March.

The vote on-line is pinned @keithbeard.bsky.social and is now open

Beard of Ireland 2026 Shortlist

William Crawley, broadcaster

Roy Keane, football pundit

Peter Coles, academic, Maynooth

Colum Eastwood, politician