THE prestigious Belle of Bundoran competition, previously known as the Bundoran Rose, is set to make a welcome return to the popular seaside resort this April as a fundraiser for the Realt Na Mara GAA Club.
The last time the competition was held was in 1979 and this time it will see 16 local belles compete for the 2012 title will be held at the Great Northern Hotel and Conference Centre on Friday 20th April. Each of the belles will be sponsored by a local business in the town and will be accompanied by a local GAA player as their escort for the night.
There has been much interest in the event, so much so that potential belles are now on waiting lists in order to take part.
Event director James Keaney said: “We are delighted with the level of interest in the 2012 Belle of Bundoran and we’re looking forward to an entertaining night on April 20.
“All funds raised on the night will go towards the on-going support of the local Realt Na Mara GAA Club.
“It’s a great way for the community to come together and to create some friendly rivalry between the businesses in town as each vie for their candidate to be crowned the 2012 Bundoran Rose.”
The Belle of Bundoran 2012 will win a Weekend Away for two at a five-star hotel in Ireland, a customised piece of Galway Crystal, A Luxury Beauty Hamper to the Value of €1000 and a Canvas Portrait from the night.
The last local person to be crowned with the title was Pauline Keaney in 1978 who remembers fondly the sense of occasion of the event.
“We were treated like royalty on the day. We were brought all over Bundoran, introduced to the judges and then that night interviewed on stage by the late Vincent Hanley of RTE who had come for his first ever visit to Bundoran.
“It’s great to see the event making a return to Bundoran as well as supporting the local GAA club. I hope it’s around for many years to come.”