A year of 'online bitchiness' comes to an end for Miss Ireland

Miss Ireland tells Marjorie Brennan that she experienced more bitchiness online than at Miss World

While the Rose of Tralee has been grabbing all the headines recently, having been given a new lease of life by last year’s winner Maria Walsh, another beauty contest winner is also coming to the end of her reign. Current Miss Ireland Jessica Hayes will hand over her crown at the grand final of the competition in Dublin next Friday after a whirlwind year.

While beauty was obviously a key component in her success, Jessica, 21, also displayed determination and perseverance, taking the title on her second outing in the contest.