Kilkenny belle Bronagh will finally get to the ball

FOR 18-year-old beauty, Bronagh Hennessy, it appears her fairytale story might have a happy ending after all.

The bright leaving certificate student’s dream came true when she was selected last December as Kilkenny’s entry in the Ireland for Miss Universe competition which was due to be held last week.

But up to last night details of a venue or exact date for the competition were still shrouded in uncertainty.

She had received tremendous support from businesses throughout the city and everything from her bikini to ball gown to her make-up had been sponsored for the big night.

But when would it be?

Last night, the organisers said that despite a legal action, some unforeseen hurdles and confusion about the venue and the date of the event, the competition is to go ahead at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel on April 13 and 14.

It’s a big relief to the 26 girls taking part, particularly Kilkenny beauty Bronagh.

“I was thrilled to be selected. I got sponsorship from loads of businesses throughout Kilkenny, including the hotel where I work. I was really looking forward to the Irish final.

“We’ve tried to contact the organisers over and over to see what’s going on but we can’t even get them to return our calls. I was really looking forward to the competition but at this stage and after what has happened over the past two to three weeks, I just want it all over and done with now.”

Organisers, Limerick-based Irish Beauty Pageants, were delighted to confirm the venue and the date last night.

“The selection will take place on the 13th and the 14th at the Burlington Hotel. We will have up to 30 contestants. There was never any question over the competition. The competition simply didn’t go ahead on March 26 because it was an extremely busy weekend in Dublin with the Ireland/Scotland match.”

Bronagh, a student at Loretto Secondary School in Kilkenny, was breathing a sigh of relief last night, as was brother, Brian aged 21, sister Sinead, aged 13, mum Mary, and dad Kevin Hennessy, who are all looking forward to supporting her at the event.