Miss Ireland contenders radiant in rain

LAWYERS, a postgraduate student with two degrees, a farmer’s daughter and student psychologists were just some of the stunning models vying for the title of Miss Ireland yesterday.

Some of the country’s most beautiful women posed on the grass in St Stephen’s Green, and didn’t let the wind and drizzle wipe the smiles from their faces. And despite having to prop up their sashes every few minutes, they must have made the event’s organiser Andrea Roche (former Miss Ireland) very proud.

“This is a fantastic stepping stone for those interested in modelling careers. It’s exciting but nerve-wracking for them,” she said.

Sashaying back into the Shelbourne Hotel lobby clinging to their umbrellas, the girls seemed unfazed by the day’s dreary weather or the build-up to the final next weekend — which is being held in Cork for the first time ever.

A total of 25 girls from a host of counties will strut the catwalk for the prized title that Rosanna Davison went on with to be crowned Miss World in 2003. It’s the fifth year of the competition and this year will see the introduction of text voting to allow a wildcard entry through to the top 10.

Between study, careers and social lives, it’s hard to see how the models set their sights on the accolade.

“One of the judges approached me in a nightclub and said I should go for it. It’s great — I’m used to living on a farm and running after four legged creatures,” said Emer Lynch, 22, from Co Meath.

Hairdresser and the Miss Kerry entry, Theresa Ferris, 22, is expecting a great crowd to turn out for her. “They’re bringing a massive gang, they’re closing down the salon,” she said.

For Ciana Aspell, 23, the shock of getting to the final as Miss Sligo is still with her. She’s already shown enough talent having completed a degree in science, another in health and safety as well as looking to do a Master's degree.

Towering above some of the entries, Karen Sutton, 19, from Clondalkin, Dublin, has one ambition.

“I wouldn’t mind being Rosanna Davison,” quipped the 6ft Miss Heart and Soul model.

Several nightclubs have backed this year’s entries, as have workplaces among others. In some cases, entering was a dare by friends. In one, a spur of the moment decision made at a school reunion.

The final is held at the Silversprings Hotel, Cork, on Saturday and is sponsored by RehabBingo.com.