An opportunity I don’t want to Miss

Michaela O’Neill (21) from Terenure will be joining 30 contestants from all over the country as they compete for the Miss Ireland title on Friday, August 28 in Dublin’s Crown Plaza Hotel. The girl who is crowned on the night will go on to represent her country at Miss World 2015 taking place in December in Sanay, China. Here, Michaela outlines her experiences so far and her hopes for the future…

I HAD always thought about entering Miss Ireland as I love following the competition every year.

I decided this year was the right year for me as I have just completed my degree in St Pats, and I knew that I would have the time to prepare over the summer for the final in August. Since winning my title of Miss Buck Whaleys in March, it has been non-stop but so enjoyable so far. The girls involved this year are all so lovely and we have already been given so many fantastic opportunities.

I have also been using my title to involve myself in as much charity work as I can. The LauraLynn Hospice is a charity that I have been working with over the summer, and I also visit the children on the wards at Temple Street Hospital dressed as Queen Elsa from

‘Frozen’.

At the moment the preparation for the final is in full swing as the competition is just weeks away now. I have my dress for the big night all sorted thanks to Rosie’s Closet in Newry, and I start my personal training with Eoin from Roar Performance next week which I’m really looking forward to.

I am trying to pull out all the stops to make sure I’m putting my best foot forward!

Since winning my title in March my boyfriend Ryan has been so supportive, I think it helps that he is involved in the same industry. Being in Fair City, he understands what it’s all about. We are used to working together, and every year we do the Olympia Christmas Panto, where Ryan is the lead and I’m dance captain. We also toured Europe together over the last few years with Jedward as their dancers.

I also am a champion Irish dancer, and I now assist my own teacher Marie Caren with her classes in Lucan. I plan to sit my exams to become a fully qualified teacher next year.

If I was to win Miss Ireland it would be unbelievable, but at the moment I’m just enjoying the whole experience.

I have been accepted to study a Masters degree in Primary School Education in St Patrick’s College starting in September, but if I was to win I think I would enjoy the year and the title and defer my place there.

Fingers crossed I will be in China representing Ireland at Miss World, and not in the lecture hall!