Rebecca to represent Down in Miss Ireland competition

Rebecca to represent Down in Miss Ireland competition

28 August 2019

A BALLYNAHINCH teacher says she is excited at being selected to represent Co Down in the Miss Ireland beauty pageant.

Twenty five year-old Rebecca Leahy will be wearing the Co Down sash when she takes to the catwalk at Dublin’s Crowne Plaza Hotel in just over a fortnight’s time.

Rebecca, a P5 teacher at Ballynahinch Primary School, was voted No 1 in Down after coming through a selection process recently. 

One of the attributes that caught the judges’ eye was her enthusiasm for her fund-raising efforts for children’s charities.

Rebecca has enlisted the support of various local groups and individuals in her fund-raising ventures, including the members of Teconnaught GAC.  

Rebecca, a former pupil at Down High School, said: “I entered the competition during the summer and the winner was officially announced recently. 

This year was the first time the selection process was conducted through a series of telephone interviews. 

There will be 34 other regional finalists going forward to the Miss Ireland final which will be held on Saturday, September 14.

She said: “The competition is different to other beauty pageants in that it promotes ‘beauty with a purpose’ which is at the heart of the Miss World organisation.

“Girls who enter usually are campaigners and fundraisers for local children’s charities. I have worked closely with Down’s and Proud, a local charity set up to inspire families touched by Down’s Syndrome and help raise money.

“Part of the selection process at the next level is determined by our work with an Irish children’s charity called Variety Ireland, the charity associated with the competition. 

“It is a charity who looks after disadvantaged, sick and under privileged children and is run entirely by a team of professional volunteers who donate their time and services for free.

“This ensures that all funds raised through donations and fundraising initiatives go directly to help children across the island of Ireland who rely on the charity’s help.”

Rebecca, who graduated from Stranmillis College three years ago, considers herself fortunate watching children progress in their learning.

“I’m very passionate about my job and love working with children. I take great satisfaction from seeing their young minds grow. I love getting up in the mornings and can’t wait for my day to start.”

Rebecca is humbled by the fact she is in the running be the next Miss World, which now in its 69th year, and is looking forward to the Miss Ireland final. 

“It is really lovely to be given the opportunity to meet all the girls taking part who are very friendly and welcoming,” she said. There is a great feeling of camaraderie among the girls and we support each other. It is exciting to be able to get to know them better now.”

Miss World is the world’s most famous beauty pageant. It broadcast to over 140 countries around the globe and carries a top prize of $100,000.