Mayo girl crowned Brightest at Bloom

IT could be a megawatt smile or a radiant glow, a brilliant hat or style down pat, dazzling designer or bargain chic, a child’s delight or love at first sight or maybe even just a sunny disposition!

At the Solus Garden at Bloom in the Phoenix Park, Emma O'Shea (8), from Ballinrobe, was chosen as the Brightest at Bloom on the yellow carpet from 10 finalists.

Last year's winner, Ruth Doyle (11) from Balinasloe, Co. Galway, came back to hand over her crown in the dazzling sunshine.

Solus Brightest at Bloom was a nod to ladies day but all-inclusive, open to ladies, gentlemen, children and all sunny dispositions young … and not so young! It is not just about fashion but more about luminosity, brightness and light.

Solus invited attendees at Bloom to take a bright ‘selfie’ and upload it to the Solus facebook page #BrightestAtBloom. Finalists were invited to attend Bloom on Sunday at the ‘yellow carpet’ where a winner was chosen.

Solus offered a prize for the Brightest at Bloom of a helicopter ride over the beautiful Coley Peninsula followed by a VIP lunch for the winner, and all finalists received a hamper of chocolates and new energy efficient Solus light bulbs which could save up to 30% on energy bills.

Bord Bia’s Bloom event took place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, from Thursday until yesterday (Monday) and is Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family festival.