CHAMPION SEARCH FOR A MODEL FINALISTS REVEALED - GILLIAN -

[CHAMPION SEARCH FOR A MODEL FINALISTS REVEALED - GILLIAN -]


The semi-finalists in The Sligo Champion/ Catwalk Modelling Agency/ Castle Dargan Hotel Seach for A Model competition have been announced. The competition was open to men and women, aged 18 years or over.

Judges, Gillian Filan (wife of Westlife singer Shane), Mandy Maher (Catwalk Modelling Agency) and Jakki Brannigan (Sales Manager, The Sligo Champion) made their selection this week.

Ten finalists to go forward to the Grand Final in the Castle Dargan Hotel on Thursday, April 30th, will be chosen tomorrow at the hotel.

Their full details and pictures will appear in next week's edition.

The overall winner will receive a truly magnificent prize package, including a Grooming and Deportment Course from Catwalk Modelling Agency, Galway; a €1,000 shopping voucher, sponsored by Johnston Court Shopping Centre; a weekend break for two in Paris; and a range of prizes from Bella Makeover Studio, Dublin, including a champagne bucks fizz reception, make-up consultation and lesson; hairstyling, photoshoot, viewing session and the choice of the best eight images fully airbrushed on a cd rom, including an 8 x 10 print.

On the night of the Grand Final, a selection of Sligo's top fashion houses will have their latest collections modelled by Catwalk Modelling Agency, before the winner of the inaugural Search for a Model is announced.

Asked about the modelling competition Gillian said:

"I think it's a great idea. There are so many stunning looking girls in Sligo who could definitely make careers in the modelling profession, and this is a genuine opportunity for somebody to make a significant breakthrough,".

"Dublin has always had lots of modelling competitions, so I suppose it's only natural that most models are based in or close to the capital. But competitions like this provide an opportunity for girls to have a chance in their own area, and that's very important.

"It will be very interesting to find a model in Sligo and to see how far that person can take it. While I would hate to think it would all be very serious, it is nonetheless an important opportunity for anyone who feels they might have a talent in this regard," .

"My advice to anybody considering entering the competition would be, firstly, to go out and enjoy it. It has to be fun, or there's no point doing it. My other tip would be not to be shy or lacking in confidence. Leave all those inhibitions behind and really go for it.

"I know it's going to be a great night when the final is staged in the Castle Dargan Hotel on April 30th. I'm really looking forward to it," she concludes.