Secret agony behind my win
MISS IRELAND CROWNED
TEENAGER Lauren Mcdonagh was pinching herself yesterday after being crowned the 70th Miss Ireland.
The 18-year-old, from Buncrana, Co Donegal, said she didn’t think it would ever sink in.
And the 5ft 11in beauty said she was dedicating her crown to her home county, her family and her late brother Darren who died from muscular dystrophy at 17 in 2008.
Her proud mum Ann gave her a photo of Darren seconds after she won at Dublin’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday night.
Lauren said: “Mammy came up to me with the flowers and she had a wee heart with Darren’s photo in it. It was just so personal.”
The Health and Social Care student said she would have loved her two other brothers to be there but the eldest Jason, 28, lives in San Francisco and Kieran, 23, was at a wedding.
She added: “It still seems unreal but I’m over the moon. All the girls were so lovely, it was like a family which sounds crazy as we have only known each other for such a short time but we have all grown such strong connections. It was anyone’s game.
“I know now I’m doing Donegal proud and I hope I will do Ireland proud. 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.” She said she was surprised to see her 18-year-old boyfriend Glen Myles burst into tears after she won. Lauren added: “He’s such a dote. We have been going out for 10 months so it is early days yet but he is lovely. He was crying and he never cries.” Fitness instructor Glen, from Derry, said: “I’m very proud of her. I felt my heart in my mouth when she got to the last three. I wanted it to be over and done with and know the result. “I’m over the moon. Lauren is a very honest, loyal and a nice girl. It’s not just looks with her, inside she is a beautiful girl. “There will definitely be plenty of competition from all the other lads but that comes with it.” Ann said: “I now have a Miss Ireland in the house but she will stay grounded. Lauren lost a brother and it’s paramount we discuss muscular dystrophy because it’s rife and anyone with it has a life sentence. “We so need support for muscular dystrophy and hopefully Lauren will continue to support and be an ambassador for muscular dystrophy and for children with critical illness because we have been there.” Proud dad Tom added: “For my princess to win Miss Ireland – I’m absolutely over the moon.” news@irishmirror.ie