Donegal teen to represent Ireland at Miss Universe

Lauren McDonagh from Buncrana was crowned Miss Ireland on Friday night and will now go on to represent the country in the Miss Universe competition. The 18-year-old took to the stage at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin having recently returned from Paris where she was working with a top make up brand.

The former Crana College student said she was “shocked” when her name was called out and she was crowned this year’s Miss Ireland. Lauren dedicated the win to her late brother Darren who passed away from muscular dystrophy when he was aged 17.

“To represent my county was one thing and I was so privileged and honoured to be able to do that but now I’m representing my country in Miss World, it’s so crazy,” said Lauren. “It still seems unreal but I’m over the moon.”

Lauren, daughter of Tom and Ann, is only the second girl from Donegal to win the title following Natasha Nic Gairbheith in 2004. Lauren works as a beauty therapist in Syenna Hair & Beauty’s Eglinton salon in Derry and is studying Health and Social care.

On the night Lauren wore a beautiful green grown which was styled by Pure Boutique in Letterkenny and The Cavern Bar were the Main Sponsors of Miss Donegal 2017. Lauren will now represent Ireland at the Miss World final on Saturday, November 17th in Sanya, China.

As winner of Miss Ireland Lauren will receive a lucrative modelling contract and a host of prizes including professional media training, luxury clothing, a professional photo-shoot and beauty products from official partners Vanity X Make-Up, Baby B Browne Tan, So Amazing Fashions & Educo Health. Lauren will be flown to Sanya, China for an all-expenses paid month-long trip as she takes part in the Miss World competition.

As well as this she will return on Saint Patrick’s Day as an official guest and Irish ambassador for China’s celebrations. As Miss Ireland Lauren will also be jetting off to Hong Kong later this autumn for the launch of So Amazing Fashion’s exciting debut within the Asian market. As part of her role she will also work closely with the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice to raise much needed funds and awareness.

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