A memory that will last forever

By Rebecca Hanley

LOOKING back on my experiences so far it’s hard to believe I was so nervous about entering Miss Bikini Ireland. 

I had no idea I had a chance at being selected as a finalist, never mind winning.

The entire process of competing in Miss Bikini Ireland was a learning curve. I always thought that I would be incredibly shy on camera and felt self-conscious about my looks.

However, after arriving for the first day of filming something changed and suddenly I started feeling more confident. I began to feel as if I lit up on camera and felt comfortable being interviewed and photographed.

Seeing all of the other girls every week built friendships among us and we all supported and encouraged each other. I learnt a lot about speaking on camera and how to pose for photographs. My winning moment is still a blur as I was in such shock hearing my name called.

After winning Miss Bikini Ireland 2015 I worked closely with Greg Ryan, CEO of Miss Bikini Ireland and Judy Fitzgerald, former Miss Bikini Ireland, as I prepared for my trip to the Dominican Republic to take part in Swimsuit USA International.

Arriving at the resort was an experience in itself. I have never witnessed such a vast complex. This was when it finally started to hit me that I had won Miss Bikini Ireland and was actually in the Dominican Republic ready to compete internationally.

I have to commend Kathy Wheatley and the Swimsuit USA Team. They run a remarkable event which involves the organisation of an entire team of personnel and contestants from around the world.

We were judged on a preliminary swimsuit round held on the Friday and the finals were on the Saturday. As I stood in my red evening gown from DK House of Fashion, I heard my name called for the top 20.

I was in utter disbelief that I had made it so far.

Next came the question round for the top 20, followed by the special awards.

I was awarded a special prize by Earth Cam, one of the sponsors of Swimsuit USA International and will be flown to Las Vegas along with nine other contestants this summer. 

Upon arriving back in Ireland I discovered that I had placed ninth at Swimsuit USA International.

To this day I still cannot believe that I made it that far and will treasure the memories and friendships I made there forever.