Katie is ready for a fun-filled pageant

Founded in 1947, Miss Ireland is the island of Ireland’s longest running beauty competition and is billed as “the premium beauty with a purpose” pageant. If she brings home the title, the pageant (and Katie) will be given a massive boost, with Derry - Londonderry set to become UK City of Culture in 2013.

The grand final will be hosted by Ireland AM’s Sinead Desmond and celebrity DJ Ray Shah.

Rehearsals began on Thursday April 26 for the Waterside woman and the other 34 candidates who will vie for the title of Miss Ireland - one of the most coveted titles a young, aspiring model can have on their CV.

Friday is a pamper night as the bevy of beauties focus on getting a good night’s sleep before the day of the competition, which will take place in Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin.

“It’s hard to believe it’s on Saturday night. It’s scary,” said Katie of the coming agenda of activities.

Rumoured to be in the top running for the title, the stunning young trainee nurse continued: “I cannot wait. It is going to be so much fun. We are going down to Dublin tomorrow. It will be great to get to know the other girls and have a bit of fun. It will be a wonderful weekend.”

Katie won the Miss Derry title just a couple of weeks ago, and automatically qualified to enter the Miss Ireland pageant as a result.

Katie is studying at Queen’s University for a degree in nursing, but if successful says she will put graduation on hold so that she can devote herself fully to her year as Miss Ireland.

“I have always been interested in pageants and modelling, and I would like to bring the title of Miss Ireland home. It would mean putting my studies on hold. I love my nursing as well, and I am happy to go back to it afterwards because you never know where Miss Ireland will take you,” she said.

During the weekend the contestants will be interviewed, will have to take part in a fashion show modelling top designerwear, and take part in the ubiquitous swimwear modelling, in which the girls will sport the new range by celebrated Dublin designer Virginia McCari.

Katie, who is a trim Size 8, is still remaining tight-lipped about her piece-de-resistence - her ballgown - other than beaming mysteriously and saying “you’ll have to wait and see, but it is absolutely beautiful”.