Search for a Corker not to be Missed

THE Miss Ireland competition is strutting into Cork this summer.

The news was announced yesterday as Miss Cork and three former title winners jumped into a mini to launch the hunt for the city’s finalist.

The current title holder, Stephanie Barry, was joined in one of Bill Keary’s gleaming new Minis by Samina Zia, Elaine Ranahan and Yvonne Moore, to announce details of an open day event at which up to 15 finalists will be selected.

Samina, who won the title in 2005 and used her win to launch a successful full-time modelling career, is organising the event which will be sponsored by Keary’s.

“I’m really excited about it and I’m hoping that it will be huge success” she said. “We are looking for girls between the ages of 18 and 22 and this year’s winner will be guaranteed huge home support when she goes forward to the final.”

Walk-in interviews to select Miss Cork 2007 will take place at Keary’s showroom off the Kinsale Road roundabout between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday February 24 and open castings for child, male and female models will also take place. Derek Daniels from Assets Model Agency is looking to sign people aged between five and 75 for fashion and commercial work.

All suitable applicants will be photographed and a €30 registration fee will apply. Model hopefuls are advised to dress casually and anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Meanwhile, the Miss Cork final will take place in the Clarion Hotel on April 12. The winner will be selected from about 15 contestants and will go forward to represent the city at the Miss Ireland final which will take place in the Silversprings Hotel on June 30.