The Miss Ireland grand final takes place this Saturday in the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin with Miss Louth Fionnuala Short one of the favourites to land the coveted title according to local bookmakers Boylesports.
The Hackballscross girl is the 5/1 fourth favourite to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Holly Carpenter, Sarah Morrissey, Andrea Roche, Pamela Flood, Amanda Brunker and Rosanna Davison, who went on to win the Miss World title in 2003, when the winner is announced on Saturday.
The joint favourites for the prize are Miss Show Dublin Andrea Rooney and Miss Carlow Fiona Foley (both 7/2) with Miss Dress Bar Rebecca O’Donovan the third favourite (4/1).
Meanwhile, the other Dundalk girl set to take part in the competition, Lisa Casey from Ard Easmuinn, is ranked as a 33/1 outsider. She will be representing Armagh in the competition having finished runner-up in the Miss Louth contest recently.
Miss Clare Kate McGlennon – a midwifery student in Dundalk IT – is also in the running at 14/1.
Talk of the Town 