Queens kick up their heels for alternative pageant

MEN with a keen sense of women’s dress will be contesting the sixth annual Alternative Miss Limerick contest soon.

And this year’s drag queens will travel from as far away as the Philippines and from as near as Patrickswell.

It all takes place at Dolan’s Warehouse on Saturday, October 15.

Some will do the catwalk wearing gowns by some of the top women designers.

The Alternative Miss Limerick has acquired a truly international feel and a global significance, judging from the entries.

Miss Emerald Rice (Fairy Rice Queen of the Orient) is from the Philippines.

She aims to represent the colour of life of a Filipino migrant worker whose talent and modesty occupies a special position in Irish culture and history.

Hairy, Scary, Mary Harness is from Sheffield in England.

He/she comes to Limerick to spread her message that Hallowe’en is the new Christmas, Goth is the new camp, and Marilyn Manson is the new Dana.

Madonna Lucia Fatima Gonzalez grew up in a small fishing village on the tiny, remote island of Iralia.

Iralia is in the Pacific about half way between Ireland and Australia.

As a child she dreamt of becoming a gymnast and joining the ballet.

Charmin Electrik and Sharon Arseburn are from Leitrim and Patrickswell respectively.

Also tottering on heels in the final line-up are Ms Claudia Sniffer, the ultimate footballer’s wife, the very talented Cocoa Stilletto, and local legend Celine.

The host and inspiration for AML05 is the iconic Panti, whose annual pilgrimage to Limerick has led to the Panti worship ping cult spreading far outside the pale and into the very heart of the West of Ireland.

The Alternative Miss Limerick is produced by Yum-Yum who bring La Boutique twice monthly in Dolans.

And La Boutique will hold a special aftershow party Upstairs in Dolans after the gig.

* For tickets and credit card booking call Dolans on 061-314483 or call into the bar.

Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm.