Miss Ireland hopeful says politician mum inspired her to follow dreams

A Miss Ireland hopeful from Drumconrath says that her famous politician mother inspired her to follow her dreams.

Aine Duff (25) who was crowned Miss Meath in June says that watching her mum, EU Commissioner for Financial Services Mairead McGuiness achieve success in government gave her the confidence to shoot for the stars.

Gorgeous Aine will battle it out with a host of beauties in Castlebar in August to be become the 75th Miss Ireland. Speaking on following in her mother's footsteps and going into public life she said:

"Mam never put pressure on me or my siblings to be successful."

"I think because we know all that she has achieved so much, it was always there in the background that I wanted to do as well for myself.

"I think seeing mam working in an area that is male dominated, it showed me that I can achieve anything I want, that the only person really stopping me is me. She is so supportive and I'm very lucky to have her."

It was also playing dress up in her politician and journalist's mother's clothes that ignited her passion for fashion as she explains:

"I was always that child that went into mam's wardrobe and dressed up in her high heels! I've always loved fashion.

"I really want to work in the industry and that is one of the reasons I wanted to apply for Miss Ireland, to branch out at meet people and network. I've studied styling and fashion so I really want that to be a part of my future."

Aine added that despite the strong support from her mum she did not expect to get through to the final.

"The Leinster final was in June and to be completely honest I didn't think that I'd get through. I was the last girl to be called out on the night to say that I was a finalist, so they really kept me on the edge of my seat.

"I was in complete shock, I think I said to my mam and sister on the night to get the car ready so we could leave quickly so I really didn't think I'd get this far.

"It's an amazing opportunity for me and I'm just going to do as much as I can for the year."

It seems talent runs in the McGuinness/Duff family as Aine's sister, Meath footballer Orlaith Duff is set to take on Kerry in The All Ireland final in Croke Park on Sunday.

Orlaith was on the team for Meath's historic ladies final win over Dublin last year but there is no sibling rivalry according to Aine!

"My sister plays for the Meath football team so I needed to get in somewhere to represent Meath!" she said.

"I'll actually be away in Lisbon for the weekend but I'm sure I'll find an Irish bar somewhere that is showing it and I'll be cheering her all the way.

"I was away last year too when they won the All Ireland so maybe it's a good omen!"

Aine is hosting a charity afternoon tea event for Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services on August 7th in The Newgrange Hotel in Navan. The Meath beauty queen has pulled in some favours for the night too!

"I'm really happy to say the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will be there on the day. Mam will also be saying a few words.

"I'm delighted that she wants to speak at the event and I think it'll be great to have so many inspirational women there."

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