Search on for the next Miss Cork

The search is under way to find the 77th Miss Ireland, and also a Miss Cork representative.

Young women across the city and county are invited to follow in the footsteps of current Miss Cork City, Rachel O’Leary, aged 24, from Blarney, and Miss Cork, Riona Cullinane O’Mahony, aged 21, from Cobh, as well as former Miss Irelands Aoife O’Sullivan and Jess Hayes, who are also from Cork.

This year’s competitors will join a legacy of inspiring role models, including former Miss Worlds Rosanna Davison, Pamela Flood, and Holly Carpenter and current Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt.

The Miss Ireland franchise has raised €350,000 for various charities, including LauraLynn, Temple St, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

This year’s Miss Cork will advance to the national finals for a chance to claim the Miss Ireland crown at a special ceremony at the Knightsbrook Hotel and Resort in Trim on June 14.

“We’re calling all confident, driven young women in Cork to seize this extraordinary opportunity,” said Brendan Marc Scully, director of Miss Ireland.

“Miss Ireland isn’t just a pageant. It’s a launch pad for personal growth, advocacy, and making a difference.

“If you’re ready to challenge yourself and inspire others, we want to hear from you.”

The finalists of Miss Ireland will undergo a challenging competitive process, testing their skills in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and more, with each finalist tasked with raising awareness and funds for their chosen charities.

The crowned Miss Ireland will receive a lucrative agency contract, a host of prizes, including a trip to Indonesia, and a chance to represent Ireland at the Miss World Festival.

Details on how to enter are available on http://miss-ireland.ie/, with the deadline for applications set for March 31 at 5pm.