Fingers crossed for Jessica to be crowned Miss Ireland

The identity of the next Miss Ireland will be revealed on Friday night and Meath woman Jessica O'Farrell is hoping its her name that is picked from the 35 other hopefuls taking to the stage at City North Hotel in Dublin.

Jessica (22) from Clonmellon will be cheered on by mum and dad Leon and Michelle, brother Leo and aunt Linda and uncle Eric O'Farrell. She works for Allied Recycling in Clonmellon and said she entered the local Miss Meath competition after encouragement from friends who had taken part previously.

"I've always had an interest in fashion so I just thought why not give it a go. I was crowned Miss Meath back in August so I've got a lot of exciting things coming up and am really enjoying it."

The glittering event gets underway at 5.30pm tomorrow evening with a red carpet entrance for the 36 contestants with the show getting underway at 6.30pm and will involve at least three costume changes. The talented dancer will also perform an Irish jig on the night requiring a further change of outfit but Jessica's ready for action.

You can keep up to date with how Jessica gets on here on the Meath Chronicle FB page or the Miss Meath FB page or by following Jessica on her instagram page - jessica.ofarrell1