Locals aim for Miss Bikini title

THREE Northsiders are calling on Dubliners to give them their vote in this year’s Miss Bikini Ireland competition.

Sophie Dolan from Ballymun, Samantha O’Rourke from Dublin 15 and Nikita Rothwell, also from the Blanchardstown area, are in contention for the inclusive model search.

Miss Bikini Ireland is different to many model searches as it has no height restrictions, and tattoos are allowed, to a limit.

Women with kids are also welcome and no experience is needed as full training is giving to the successful candidates who make the cut.

The top prize for winning is worth €15,000 including an all expenses paid, nine-day trip to the world finals of Swimsuit USA International where the winner gets a prize package worth $80,000.

Nikita Rothwell says she’s already benefitting from the competition by just entering.

“I really want to win this as it’s the first thing I¹ve ever done to step out of my comfort zone and I¹m feeling more confident than ever,” the 21-year-old explained.

Freelance makeup artist Samantha O’Rourke who enjoys working out and keeping healthy also entered the competition to boost her confidence.

“I had always been shy and insecure about my body,” she said.

“I had been very thin and very heavy at one stage and wasn’t very healthy so I made a change and started eating healthier. I lost over 30 pounds and decided I wanted to compete in Miss Bikini Ireland.

“The good thing about the competition is you don’t have to be a certain weight or height, which I think is incredible as certain competitions have a low weight at 85 pounds and a 5 foot 8 height requirement. I think that’s very unrealistic for girls.

“I want to be the next Miss Bikini Ireland because I want to show people that you can be confident without being perfect, and imperfections are what makes us all unique.”

Sophie Dolan also sees the competition as a real confidence builder.

“When I saw the Miss Bikini Ireland 2018 competition I knew I couldn't pass the opportunity to gain confidence and also represent my country at the same time,” she said.

To vote for Samantha text BIKINI 109 to 57003.

To vote for Nikita text BIKINI 145 to 57003.

To vote for Sophie text BIKINI 101 TO 57003.

Texts cost €1 and you can vote as often as you like. Network charges may vary.  

The Miss Bikini Ireland final takes place at the Red Cow Inn on Sunday, October 14.