Alannah Harrigan, from Burnfoot, is a makeup artist and model. She is currently competing to reach the finals of Miss Bikini Ireland, the winner of whom will have the chance to represent Ireland in the Dominican Republic at Swimsuit USA.
Alannah also blogs about makeup, fashion, and more recently her progress in Miss Bikini Ireland.
To help Alannah get to the Dominican Republic you can help her by texting ‘BIKINI 109’ to 57003, as votes for the final are 50% from the judges and 50% from the public. Text cost €1 and are unlimited up until the final on the 14th of October. If you are voting from Northern Ireland or the UK text ‘BIKINI 109’ to 60999.
An avid athlete, Alannah can be found at the gym 3 – 4 times a week, or more recently everyday as she prepares for the Miss Bikini Ireland final.
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
One of my favourite places is definitely an Grianan in Burt , the view up there is something else especially on a nice day you can see for miles around . Another favourite would be Fort Dunree , another great view point .
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
I wouldn’t really change anything about Donegal , maybe the internet speed though .
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
I have a whole lot of people I look up too I couldn’t just pick one person . I admire anyone who is hard working & passionate about what they do.
(4) What’s your happiest memory in Donegal?
I was born here so I have so many good memorys .I actually really enjoyed secondary school . I went to Colaiste Chineal Eoghain in Buncrana, an all Irish Speaking Secondary school . I love Irish , there were only seven people in my class and we all had such a great relationship .
Even with the teachers and the other years everyone was like one big family & we got to do a lot of things like talent shows , quizzes , school trip with other schools. I also really enjoyed going to Culdaff beach during the summer , it always felt like we were on a holiday when we were there even though we were only half an hour down the road .
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
The All Ireland 4 years ago was a big proud moment for the county, I still remember the buzz about Donegal after they won . .
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
To cure all illnesses . There are so many people suffering in this world and I think most people’s wish would be to cure all illnesses . No one likes to see anyone suffering .
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Football special is one of my favourite Donegal made products, sadly it’s a rare treat at the minute .
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Jim McGuiness because of his positive attitude & dedication .
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
I like getting compliments about my personality more then a compliment on my physical appearance . So a compliment to do with my personality .
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Couldn’t choose one person but the Donegal team of 2012 would be up there.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to good food in Donegal. My favourite restaurant would probably be Harry’s in Bridgend . They use fresh local produce & the food is just amazing . I also like Stateside in Letterkenny & they do a lovely Paleo Menu for anyone trying to eat healthier .
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
‘It’ll be grand’ , we’re all so easy going and use the word ‘grand’ a lot . Nothing ever seems to be too much of a problem .
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
There is not enough work & a lot of young people have to go aboard to get work .
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
I love sea food & Donegal is known for having nice fresh fish .
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
I can’t think of anything that annoys me about Donegal people .
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
Velvet Rose are a duo from Inishowen , both girls Caitlin & Chloe have amazing voices & there harmonies are flawless . They play at weddings & do gigs. There Facebook page has videos of them singing also .
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
I would improve some of the schools in Donegal if I had a million euro , as some schools don’t have proper classrooms , not enough funding for trips , special needs assistants & materials for there subjects .
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
It’s not really too unusual but probably Galway , when I was down there for awhile I was able to tell my family what was happening in Donegal before they knew about it.
(19) What is your favourite thing about modelling?
I loved getting glammed up before a photoshoot, I find it really relaxing . To be honest I enjoy every aspect of it .
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Donegal people are great for supporting each other & there is a great sense of community. When an event occurs everyone seems to
pull together .
I also like that the Irish language in Donegal is still being spoken in the Gaeltachts & in non Gaeltacht areas . The Irish Language is really important to me as it is a big part of Irish culture & history .
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