Beauty Emma faces up to competition challenge

MEET Emma Hanley, the young Northside woman who has landed a place in the final of this year’s Face of Ireland competition.

The beautiful brunette from Fairview, who was chosen as a wildcard, hopes to win the title in the All-Ireland beauty competition, which will be held on October 13.

The 21-year-old who is currently in her third year of an English and Geography degree at St Patrick’s College hopes to be crowned the overall winner of the competition, which attracted some 32,000 applicants from all over the country.

But unlike most other applicants, earning her place in next month’s final was a piece of cake.

“I literally sent in an application, had an interview with the producer of the competition and then was told I was going straight into the finals,

? Emma told Northside People.

“I didn’t go through the heats like most of the other girls. I was taken straight from the application stage and plonked into the final.

?

It’s little wonder that the competition is so popular given that the ultimate winner will become an ambassador for Ireland whose duties will include officially opening the St Patrick’s Day parade in New York on March 17 and ensuring Ireland is promoted in a positive light.

The further aim of the competition, which is six years running, is to find a suitable female who would have what it takes to promote the work of a number of charities.

The competition will assist several charities, including a newly formed charitable organisation Greater Responsibility & Awareness Suicide Prevention (GRASP).

GRASP was set up to assist people who are thinking about suicide or families who have been affected by suicide.

The competition’s connection to charities was something that greatly appealed to Emma.

“I have supported and worked closely with many charities,

? she said.

“However, this year’s charity is one I feel passionate about due to the high levels of suicide in Ireland and the effects it has on those affected by this daily, heart-breaking truth.

“I look forward to this competition as an opportunity to inform and educate people about the wonderful services GRASP offer to people and those close to them, and highlight the importance to speak out about the topic of suicide to help reduce it in the future.

?

The winner of the competition will receive a trophy, a trip for two to Spain and an array of dresses from their sponsor.

They’ll also win a luxury pampering session, e1,000 worth of jewellery and a makeover, and will star in a fly-on-the-wall documentary that will be filmed over the course of the winner’s reign.

The winner of the Face of Ireland competition – sponsored by Europcar – will be chosen on October 13 at the Red Cow Moran Hotel.