Scotland – Blathnaid Loughran

My name is Blathnaid Loughran, and I am 26. I am so proud to represent Scotland in the Rose of Tralee. I grew up in Omagh, County Tyrone, where I lived with my parents and older sister. When I finished school in Loreto Grammar, I moved to Belfast to study for an English degree in Queen’s University. For four years I lived with friends and loved every moment of student life. When I graduated with a 2:1, I was thrilled to be accepted into a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Glasgow University. Glasgow shares strong links with Ireland and I embraced me new environment. I have always wanted to be a teacher. My parents and my sister are all teachers. It is safe to say that teaching is in my blood! It is truly rewarding to have an impact on the lives of my pupils. I am passionate about music especially jazz and blues. My favourite artists include Etta James, Otis Redding and Joni Mitchell and I love to sing their songs. As an active member of Glasgow University Chaplaincy, I sing regularly at masses and social events associated with the church. I am a lifelong piano player and have achieved grades in this and acting; and I often competed in the famous Feis. I recently played and sang at my sister’s wedding in July, despite also being a bridesmaid! I enjoy cooking and developing new recipes. I keep fit by playing tennis, running and swimming and was a qualified lifeguard. Above all, however, my main passion in life is my friends and family. With us all dispersed widely, it has become increasingly clear just how precious the quality time I get to spend with them really is; especially with the impending arrival of my first niece or nephew!