Cork duo set for Miss Ireland final

MISS CORK CITY

MISS Cork City Rachel O’Leary said the past few months of her life have been ‘life-changing ‘and she’s beyond grateful for the opportunity – and for all that’s still to come.

It’s all systems go for the 23-year-old from Blarney, who really enjoys the world of pageantry and cannot wait to take part in Miss Ireland.

“Of course, the ultimate dream would be to win and to compete at Miss World, especially as it’s on the table! Having said that, being able to take part in the pageant at all is absolutely fantastic,” said Rachel.

“Personally, I love the glamour of the events, and getting to meet so many diverse people, but the competitions have really opened my eyes to new opportunities, given me a new confidence and have really made me a better person.”

Rachel graduated from UCC with a first class honours degree in Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and works with the Keary Motor Group.

“I’m a sales retention executive, dealing with dealerships and customers, and it’s all very people-focused which is me 100%!” she said, adding that next year she hopes to take on a more advanced role in the organisation.

Her highs as Miss Cork City so far include being an ambassador for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

“The organisation is massively important to me as both my grandparents are living with dementia, so it’s something that hits very close to home,” she said.

Becoming friends with Miss Cork Ríona O’Mahony has been another unexpected, and wonderful, surprise: “It’s been great to have her by my side, and to support each other. She’s been a great wing woman to have throughout all of this.”

Between working full-time, Miss Cork City work, and Miss Ireland, life is hectic. And having suffered social anxiety when she first started college, a story she previously shared with The Echo, Rachel remains very mindful of her mental wellness, particularly with so much going on.

“I’ve spoken before about attending therapy and finding it really helpful and I’ve kept that up, going when I need it. The main thing is to remind myself to take that step back when I need to.

“I always say that being vulnerable is the key to happiness, and I’ve been very open about this,” she said.

Finding time for her hobbies is also important and they include kick boxing, which she just recently started and has fallen in love with, as well as going to the gym as often as she can.

“I find them both really good grounding outlets, and help me to be in the moment. I’ve also started playing the tin whistle and piano again – I played both growing up – in preparation for the talent section of Miss Ireland… as if I wasn’t busy enough! Over the past few weeks, I think I’ve perfected the art of multi-tasking!”

Spending quality time with the people that matter to her is also very important and that includes her family, and boyfriend. From Tivoli, they only met after Rachel won the title, and in fact, he had no idea he was dating Miss Cork City.

“When I told him he didn’t actually believe me at first and I had to show him on Instagram! He’s been really supportive and it’s great to have him as a sounding board in the run-up to Miss Ireland.”

Taking part in the Miss Cork competition, she said, has given her an entirely different view on life.

“I’d totally recommend any girl to think about taking part next year – you won’t regret it.”

MISS CORK

Even though Miss Cork Ríona O’Mahony entered the pageant last April to make some new friends, she never imagined making such a great pal as Miss Cork City.

Herself and Rachel O’Leary formed an instant bond in the run-up to the event, and that relationship has only deepened over the past six months after they won the top titles.

And that’s why UCC student Ríona already feels like she’s a winner before ever stepping on to the stage for the Miss Ireland competition next month.

“Our friendship has been one of the most amazing things about this entire experience. We’re so similar when it comes to our values, attitudes and morals and facing into Miss Ireland, it’s great to know I’ll have her by my side. She’s my friend and my safety blanket!” said Ríona.

She recently turned 21 and is in her third and final year of arts (studying Irish and History) in UCC, and she says she ‘has no words’ for how the year has been so far, and the opportunities it has opened up for her.

Her chosen charity for her year is the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“I chose that as my grandad, Mick Cullinane, was their vet when it first opened and instead of bringing flowers to his grave on his anniversary, we always donate to the charity. Me being involved with them has meant an awful lot to my granny, but it’s also been really eye-opening for me.

“My gorgeous dog Laoise, a border collie, passed away last year and I initially thought it would be nice to spend time with other animals, but it’s been far more meaningful than I imagined,” she admitted.

She said it was an ‘eye-opening experience’ to talk to the different people who have benefitted from guide dogs, and the impact it’s made on their lives.

“In that respect it has been a really humbling experience and has made me realise how lucky I am,” she said.

And even though she thought she was familiar with the charity having previously attended open days, she said she was amazed to see first-hand the impressive work done by them.

“Their dogs help non-verbal young people and give their families the freedom to be able to leave the house, which is life-changing. They also have community dogs which they bring to schools and which enable some young people to attend class as opposed to being home schooled, so they can learn and socialise while also having that security.

“It’s been such a privilege to see all of that up close,” she said.

She’s just over halfway through her year as Miss Cork but so far her definite highlight has been her visit to her former primary school Gaelscoil Uí Éigeartaigh.

“It was so lovely, but also just a little bizarre to see my old teachers and the old corridors that I thought were enormous when I was a student there! I gave a talk to the students, but to be honest it felt like I should be sitting down on the bench listening myself!” she said.

Ríona has used as many opportunities as she can to promote the Irish language as she loves everything about it, but it’s a topic that sparked her only taste of negativity as Miss Cork.

“There was one comment on Facebook how Irish is a dead language, but it’s just water off a duck’s back!” she said.

Miss Ireland allowing, she hopes to go travelling this summer with college friends to the US.

“Next year, I’m planning to do a masters, possibly a one year business course in UCC, or a Professional Master of Education so I can teach – I’m not sure yet – and then go travelling to Australia,” she said.

Until recently, Riona was living in her native Cobh, and she recently moved to the city centre. Not surprisingly at times, juggling college, along with part-time work in Bakestone Café in Carrigtwohill and her Miss Cork commitments resulted in a very busy schedule.

“It has felt like a whirlwind at times, but on the occasions that I’ve felt a little overwhelmed by everything that’s going on, I just remind myself that it’s one year of my life, and that I need to take as much from it, but equally give as much to it as I possibly can,” she said.

“When I look back on this year, I don’t want any regrets.”