TWO NORTHSIDE ladies are heading to Jamaica this month with the aim of winning an international title.
Miss UN Ireland Elaine Finnegan (24), from Collins Avenue, Whitehall, and Miss UN Dublin Amie Doyle, will compete in the 2014 Miss United Nations International Pageant which takes place from September 24 for four days.
The pageant focuses on women who volunteer all over the world.
Elaine and Amie have spent time volunteering at an orphanage in Chernobyl with Chernobyl Children International (CCI), a charity headed by Adi Roche.
The Irish Cancer Society is also a charity close to Elaine’s heart after she lost her mum to cancer.
Elaine, who works in social media and the hospitality industry, tells Northside People:
“Amie and I were in Chernobyl together so I’m delighted to be going away with her again.
“Working in Chernobyl was the most life changing and toughest experience of my life. You just become grateful for everything you have.
“Our side of the world isn’t as bad a place as we think it is. It was emotionally draining. The kids were amazing though.
“I clicked amazingly with one little guy over there, Andre, and he just changed my outlook on everything in life.
“How someone who can’t speak or walk or barely hold his head up can have such an impact on your life is mad to me – still don’t understand it.
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The competition, which is taking place at the Grand Palladium, Montego Bay, is mainly based on the charity work the contestants do in their communities.
“Fifty per cent of your overall score is based on the interview before you have even stepped on stage,
? explains Elaine.
“The rest is split based on sportswear, fashion wear, eveningwear and national costume.
“There is a judged talent round as well but it is optional and not part of your overall result.
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Elaine and Amie will leave Dublin on September 21 and return home on September 29.
“While the pageant is only on for four days I decided to stay a few extra nights,
? she says.
“I haven’t been on a sun holiday in a long time so I decided to try book in a small bit of me time!
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Elaine, whose hobbies include singing, songwriting and playing the guitar, is no stranger to the competition.
She competed in the Irish heats for the pageant in 2011 and finished runner-up.
“I stayed in touch with Lynsey McGarrigle, the girl who won the title that year, and I saw first hand what an amazing experience it was for her,
? she states.
“I don’t think it’s something just anyone can do and I definitely wasn’t ready the first time round.
“I felt it was the right time for me to enter again in 2014.
“This year I learned that the pageant was taking direct entries so I applied and was over the moon to be selected.
“I’m 24 now, and was just delighted to be selected this year. There were many others who could have been selected. To be given the opportunity to represent my country is just huge.
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Elaine said that to win the overall title would be
“outrageous
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“To hold an international title? I’m not even sure how that could be put into words,
? she added.
“When you’re passionate about something charitable it’s a huge platform to make a difference.
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The 2014 Miss United Nations International Pageant winner will be crowned on September 27.
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