Miss Brid Cooney from the Avondhu region of Co Cork was triumphantly crowned International Miss Macra 2014 at the close of the 43rd International Miss Macra Festival in Dundrum House Hotel, here in Co Tipperary late last night. Miss Meabh Campion from North Tipperary who achieved second place and Miss Roisin Ni Dhonnabhain (Rosemary O’Donovan) from the Carberry region of Cork. were aptly named as worthy runners-up.
Pictured Left (L-R): Mr Declan Ryan (President Clonoulty / Rossmore Macra and Adjudicator), Caroline Kinane (Adjudicator representing Tipp FM Radio), Roisin Ni Dhonnabhain from the Carberry region of Co Cork (Third Place), Miss Meabh Campion from North Tipperary (Second Place), Miss Brid Cooney from the Avondhu region of Co. Cork, (Latter winner & crowned International Miss Macra 2014), with Mrs Joan Pollard-Carew (Sponsor representing Michael’s Jewellers Thurles and Adjudicator).
The winners were all announced on the stroke of midnight in the Ballroom of Dundrum House Hotel, marking the conclusion of this year’s magnificent festival and following the Gala Banquet which had taken place some hours earlier.
The winner, Miss Brid Cooney was presented with a specially made Sterling Silver Tiara, embellished with cubic Zirconia, designed and hand crafted by Michael’s Jewellers, Thurles, especially for the 2014 festival. Miss Cooney was also presented with the perpetual silver International Miss Macra trophy courtesy of Dundrum House Hotel and a sponsored cash prize of €1000.
In second place, Miss Meabh Campion received a specially commissioned piece of Tipperary crystal and a cash prize of €500, while Miss Roisin Ni Dhonnabhain, who came third, also received a piece of Tipperary crystal and €300.
Well over two hundred supporters of the 21 hand-picked club contestants were present and seated for the five course annual Gala Banquet Dinner at the luxurious Dundrum House Hotel which concluded this three-day festival event. Contestants previously, that morning had attended Mass in the local parish church in Clonoulty Village, presided over by Rev. Fr. Thomas F. Egan PP. Amongst the events which took place over the weekend included a visit to Coolmore Stud, raft racing on the river Suir in Golden Co Tipperary, numerous sporting events in Clonoulty village, and an opportunity for each contestant to demonstrate their various talents on stage through music, dance, poetry and song.
A massive “Thank You,” to all contestants taking part this year, giving all who attended a truly enjoyable weekend and memories, latter never to be forgotten. A big “Thank You,” also to every person involved in the precise planning and organising of the festival, all working on a completely voluntary basis, with particular thanks to Mr Donnacha Ryan (Chairperson) and his dedicated team of officers; Miss Anne-Marie Lyng and Miss Simone Loughman (Secretaries), Miss Eiblis Maher and Miss Laura O’Dwyer (PRO’s), Mr Shane Ryan (Treasurer) and Mr Colm Taylor (Assistant Treasurer), not forgetting other Clonoulty / Rossmore Committee Members; Mr TJ. Freeny, Mr D. O’Dwyer, Miss L. Shanahan, Miss S. Ryan, Miss A. Corcoran, Miss L. Ryan, Miss M. Horan, Mr M. Carey, Mr M. Fogarty, Miss A. Kennedy, and Mr C.Ryan, to name but a few.
Thank you also to main Sponsors; Dundrum House Hotel, FBD Insurance, Tipperary Co-Op and Michael’s Jewellers Thurles, all of whom continuously and generously support this event annually.
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