It’s hard to believe that this time last year I was haunting the corridors of Coláiste Mhuire, Marino with seven dancers, a Wicked Queen and a Prince Charming in tow.
It was merely hours until the ‘big event’, costume fittings, choreography, lyrics and staging were all that was consumed from dusk until dawn.
Am I being too vague?
On the 18th of March 2012, the final Alternative Miss Ireland pageant took to the Olympia Stage.
A litany of ten contestants prepared seven minutes of materials under the categories of ‘Daywear’ and ‘Eveningwear’ to attempt to win the coveted crown.
I, as Miss Minnie Mélange, entered the competition to illustrate my message of difference – referencing the Snow White tale, of course.
Joined on stage by now, seven of my closest friends; Nicole, Ali, Bren, Dean, Lorna, Lauren and Nicole and my parents Kath and Chris, it was without doubt, the best night of my life.
I was extremely honoured to be bestowed with the title that evening and since it was the last Alternative Miss Ireland, the crown remains with me.
GCN or Gay Community News, a free magazine reporting and profiling on the news and events of the Irish gay scene, celebrates it’s twenty-fifth birthday this month. An incredible moment in Ireland’s historic calendar!
Founder of the magazine, Tonie Walsh is one of the most inspiring people that I’ve had the fortune to meet. If you can ever nab him for a cup of coffee, I highly recommend it.
Anyway, I’ll get to the point now. I promise!
Each March, GCN interview the previous Miss Alternative Ireland about their experiences of the competition, their current activities and what their aspirations are for the future.
I had the absolute pleasure to meet editor Brian Finnegan in the equally lovely Brother Hubbard on Capel Street, where we chatted about my memories of Alternative Miss Ireland.
I’m a little late posting this interview and although the magazine is available in print around and about the city, you can also find it online through GCN’s website, on page twenty-four!
A huge thank you to Aaron McGrath for the accompanying photograph – he is ridiculously talented!
Being interviewed by and featured in GCN is one of my highlights to date. Thank you so much to Brian Finnegan and his crowd of extremely creative colleagues!
It’s a little strange but very exciting to see multiple copies of your face hanging around the college campus!
Crazy how a year flies by!
It’s absolutely crazy how time flies. A brilliant twelve months though!
Here’s hoping the next year is half as good!
- Sinéad
Congratulations!:D
Melania
Thanks so much Melania, lovely to hear from you.
- Sinéad