Hayley Leonard and Meagan Daley after winning their heats
IT SEEMS we have more than our fair share of good looking women in Fermanagh if the shortlist for the Miss Northern Ireland finals is anything to go by.
For not only does the county have a a local representative chosen at a finals night at Jazzey’s Bar in Enniskillen, but we also have another two Fermanagh girls in the finals after being chosen to represent our near neighbours Tyrone.
Meagan Daley, pictured, and Hayley Leonard were named Miss Omagh, and Miss Sally’s at the heat in Sally’s, Omagh, last Sunday night.
The pair join Enniskillen’s Tori Khan, a Collegiate Grammar student, who was named Miss Jazzey’s earlier in the month. Belfast freelance model, Catherine Moylan, was named Miss Enniskillen that night.
Meagan (19), a fashion student in Liverpool, and from Monea found herself in a mad dash to get home from Liverpool for the heat.
The first year university student described how she ‘got trapped in a lift’ before she was due at the airport for her flight.
“Luckily I met an angel in the form of a security guard with angle grinder who was able to free me so I could dash to the airport to hopefully make my flight. So emotions were running high as I landed in Belfast and excitedly got ready for the heat.”
But, the night itself ran that little bit better for Meagan.
“For the past few years, I’ve always had a passion for style and fashion, and after having the experience with taking photographs in my fashion course I wanted to see how it felt on the other side of the camera!
“Seeing all the gorgeous contestants I knew I had a challenge ahead, which I love. When I discovered I was first on stage, the adrenaline kicked in and I thought bring it on!”
And, the former Derrygonnelly Primary School, Devenish College and Erne Integrated College student, said that she is still ‘in shock’.
“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to become an ambassador for our beautiful country that we have right on our doorstep.”
Meagan wasn’t the only success story on the night, as 20-year-old Hayley Leonard from Enniskillen was crowned Miss Sally’s.
Hayley, a past pupil of St Patrick’s, Mullanaskea, and St Fanchea’s College, is currently studying a foundation degree in hospitality and tourism management at South West College in Enniskillen.
“I decided to enter the Miss Northern Ireland contest after being approached by Rosie Boyle (an organiser), who made the contest sound like such an amazing opportunity, one which I decided I could not miss.
“Before the night I was quite nervous as I have never entered anything like this before and was not quite sure what to expect. However, after meeting the other contestants I felt more relaxed and the excitement really began to kick in.”
Hayley described the night as ‘fantastic’ and a ‘great experience’.
“It was very well organised and everything was explained to us which automatically put me at ease. The night consisted of an interview of each contestant and an individual catwalk.
“Hearing my name being announced for Miss Sally’s was a real shock, I couldn’t believe it, but I can’t wait and will be truly delighted to represent Sally’s in the Miss Northern Ireland final.”
The final takes place on May 12 at The Europa Hotel in Belfast.
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