Conna girl, Justine Fitzgerald, says entering the Miss Universe Cork competition is “totally new for me, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try something new.” The 21-year-old who’s in her fourth year studying commerce at UCC says she’s doing it for the experience.

First up for Justine is the launch which takes place in the Woolshed in Cork this Friday night, March 1. The final of the competition then takes place in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on Sunday, March 24.

The competition is run by Lockdown Models Agency. The winner will sign a modelling contract with them for a year and will receive management and training with Lockdown Directors Emer and Vivienne. They will go on to take part in the Miss Universe Ireland final in Dublin later this year, representing Cork. That competition is organised by Andrea Roche.

In the run up to the competition, Justine is being looked after by Fermoy Medical Hall who are sponsoring her beauty treatments. Proprietor Brian Whelan and Retail Manager Deirdre Lane this week wished Justine well in the competition. Deirdre said they hoped to be there on the night to support Justine.

“It’s great to have a representative from the local area,” she remarked. Justine extended “huge thanks” to them for their support which she said she greatly appreciates.