18-year-old Buncrana woman Lauren McDonagh was crowned Miss Ireland at a lavish ceremony on Friday night.
Lauren has dedicated her crown to her late brother Darren who passed away from muscular dystrophy aged 17 when she was just 8. After her win, there were moving scenes as her parents presented her with a photograph of Darren.
Proud mum Ann says she hopes her daughter will continue to be an ambassador for muscular dystrophy.
Lauren is still coming to terms with the win and is overjoyed to be able to bring the crown back to Donegal.
“It still seems unreal but I’m over the moon. All the girls were so lovely, it was like a family which sounds crazy as we have only known each other for such a short time but we have all grown such strong connections. It was anyone’s game.
“I know now that I’m doing Donegal proud and I hope I will do Ireland proud.
“To represent my county was one thing and I was so privileged and honoured to be able to do that but now I’m representing my country in Miss World, it’s so crazy.”
Lauren will now represent her country at the final of Miss World which will be held on Saturday, November 17th 2017 in Sanya, China.
As winner of Miss Ireland Lauren will receive a lucrative modelling contract and a host of prizes including professional media training, luxury clothing, a professional photo-shoot and beauty products from official partners Vanity X Make-Up, Baby B Browne Tan, So Amazing Fashions & Educo Health.
Lauren will be flown to Sanya, China for an all-expenses paid month-long trip as she takes part in the Miss World competition.
As well as this she will return on Saint Patrick’s Day as an official guest and Irish ambassador for China’s celebrations. As Miss Ireland Lauren will also be jetting off to Hong Kong later this autumn for the launch of So Amazing Fashion’s exciting debut within the Asian market.
