Dundalk girl lands Poland’s Next Top Model title

Osi Ugonah

Dundalk’s Osi Ugonoh has been named Poland’s Next Top Model.

The local woman, who is of Polish and African descent, has been involved in the competition since it got underway at the start of September but last night saw off competition from Michał Baryza to clinch the coveted prize.

Osi, a former student in Dun Lughaidh Secondary School, is the fourth ever winner of the show and the first to triumph when the competition has also involved male models.

The 20-year-old 5ft 11in model, was born in Gdansk in Poland to Nigerian parents but relocated to Ireland at the age of 11 with her family and settled in Dundalk.

She first entered the modelling world aged 15 and three years ago things really took off for her when she entered the international beauty pageant Miss Supranational in Poland and was later crowned Miss Africa Ireland for 2012 – all while starting health science and nutrition studies in Athlone IT.

Poland’s Next Top Model is based on Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model competition and is hosted by Polish born supermodel Joanna Krupa, who serves as the lead judge alongside fashion designer Dawid Woliński, fashion show director Katarzyna Sokołowska and photographer Marcin Tyszka. Well known Polish model Kasia Struss was also a guest judge for last night’s final.

Osi’s family, including sister Ogi – who is a member of Dundalk Youth Theatre – still live locally.

Dundalk girl making a name for herself in Poland’s Next Top Model competition

Osi Ugonoh

A Dundalk girl of Polish and African descent is making a name for herself in the modelling world at present as she takes part in Poland’s Next Top Model competition.

Osi Ugonoh, a former student in Dun Lughaidh Secondary School, is currently preparing for the 10th episode of the show, with the final just two weeks away.

The 20-year-old 5ft 11in model, was born in Gdansk in Poland to Nigerian parents but relocated to Ireland at the age of 11 with her family and settled in Dundalk.

She first entered the modelling world aged 15 and three years ago things really took off for her when she entered the international beauty pageant Miss Supranational in Poland and was later crowned Miss Africa Ireland for 2012 – all while starting health science and nutrition studies in Athlone IT.

Poland’s Next Top Model is based on Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model competition and is hosted by Polish born supermodel Joanna Krupa, who serves as the lead judge alongside fashion designer Dawid Woliński, fashion show director Katarzyna Sokołowska and photographer Marcin Tyszka.

Osi’s family, including sister Ogi – who is a member of Dundalk Youth Theatre – still live locally.

Dundalk 10k race takes place this evening

This year’s Dundalk 10k race will take place this evening at 6.30pm.

There are some changes to the race in 2014. Dundalk IT are the major sponsor and organiser and the race route will begin and end on the DkIT campus.

The main charity beneficiary is local NGO Development Perspectives, who run educational programmes in collaboration with partners in Africa and India.

Hundreds have entered and some traffic restrictions may be in force during the duration of the race as a result.

Full details can be found on dundalk10k.com

Adams pays tribute to Mandela

Local TD Gerry Adams has paid tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela on his Twitter page.

The Sinn Féin president met Mandela on a number of occasions and this morning described him as a “hero”.

Commenting on the passing of the 95-year-old last night, Deputy Adams said: “I am lucky 2 have met Madiba in Ireland, South Africa & London a good few times. Freedom fighter, Visionary, Hero!”

He also posted the photo above of the pair in one of their meetings.

After news of his passing broke last night, Adams also posted the following message: “Even though news of Madiba’s death was expected my heart slipped@the news of his passing. A great human being. An inspiration. Mandela go deo.”

Doctor Deirdre making a big difference in South Sudan

Dr Deirdre Lynch from Dundalk

A LOCAL GP is currently volunteering in South Sudan with Doctors Without Borders, helping to provide life-saving treatment for thousands of refugees.

Dr Deirdre Lynch (pictured above) is based in the Batil camp, where 38,000 people have sought refuge from fighting and violence in neighbouring Sudan.

To mark World Refugee Day, Deirdre – who is also a consultant radiologist in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda – wrote a column in The Irish Times earlier this week describing her experiences.

You can read her account of things here.