Two Waterford women will represent the city and county in the Miss Ireland 75th Diamond Jubilee finals.
Tara Dornbusch, 23, was crowned as Miss Waterford and Heather Murray, 23, was crowned Miss Waterford City.
The girls are among 35 other finalists who are hoping to be crowned Miss Ireland 2022. They arrived to the House on an open-top bus to celebrate and begin their Miss Ireland journey with a sparkling white party.
Tara and Heather will represent Waterford and attend various awards, openings and engagements over the next year as well as working on their various charity projects.
The competition will see the finalists prove themselves across a range of challenges including debating, public speaking, sports, modelling, talent, and social media. Each girl will also have to raise awareness and funds for their chosen charity.
Environmental challenges will include beach clean-ups, upcycling, and education pieces. A brand new Miss-Eco Ireland sash will be awarded to one girl.
This years theme is 'Our World Our Future' with focus on the environment and global citizenship. This is what makes the competition's sponsor, TanOrganic, so fitting.
TanOrganic is the world’s first eco-certified and organic self-tan brand. Sustainability is at the core of the business and they fight for healthy skin without compromising the environment.
About the girls
Tara is a citizen of both Ireland and New Zealand. Her mother is originally from Rathgormack, but at a young age Tara and her family moved to New Zealand where she completed her primary and secondary education.
In 2019, she decided to move back to Ireland on her own in order to complete a veterinary nursing course in Cork.
She is currently living in Waterford City and is in the process of registering with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
Heather Murray is from Waterford City. She describes herself as fun and positive and always aims to see the good things in life.
This year, she is studying beauty therapy in Kilkenny College of Beauty Therapy. She feels her best when she is helping others to feel like the most confident and happy versions of themselves.
The competition is to take place on August 20th at the Royal Theatre in Castlebar, County Mayo with 1,500 attendees expected.
The winner will receive an agency contract and a variety of prizes such as jewellery, gowns, professional photo shoots, beauty and hair products.
Miss Ireland 2022 will then jet off to represent the country at the Miss World Festival, which is televised in over 100 countries across the globe.
For more on the competition, click here.
