Mayo’s Miss Ireland finalist juggles her studies in criminal justice with attending charity events
by Kasey Clarke
Olivia Barrett, Claremorris, has spoken about her Miss Ireland journey in an interview with The Connaught Telegraph.
Olivia manages to juggle her studies in criminal justice with organising and attending great charity events in the run-up to the Miss Ireland final.
She utilised her Instagram page to showcase events, her musical talent and provide insights into being a Miss Ireland finalist 2021.
All her hard work will hopefully pay off for Olivia.
Question: Fill us in on your background.
I’m 21 years old and I’m entering my final year of studies in September, I am currently studying criminal justice at the University of Limerick and I propose to become a criminal law barrister once I have finished my studies.
I am a proud Claremorris girl, and I am honoured to be the reigning Miss Claremorris in this year's Miss Ireland final. I am a huge advocate for women in sport.
I have been playing football and soccer since I was a little girl. It is so important for young girls to have sporting role models to ensure they continue playing into adulthood. I have used my Miss Ireland platform to emphasise this and I will continue to do so after the finals no matter the outcome.
Q. What encouraged you to start this journey?
I decided last year to enter the Miss Mayo competitions as, due to Covid-19, there was nothing else going on.
I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone so I did, and I never imagined I would be in the Miss Ireland final a year later.
It’s a dream. The support I have received from near and far has been amazing I can’t thank everyone enough. I have met so many amazing girls from all over the country, I have made friends for life.
Q: What’s been the favourite part of your journey so far?
It is hard to pick one specific thing but for me it would have to be the sports day we had a few weeks ago.
My fellow Miss Ireland girls and I were divided into different teams and we had different sporting events to complete individually and as a team. I was in my element.
It was so great to have a team bonding day with all the girls and to encourage one another in different events, some girls were out of their comfort zones as not all of us are into sport, but it was great to see them trying out something new.
Q: You do many charity events including the latest, a tea party. Can you provide some insight to OUR readers what they entail?
As part of Miss World and Miss Ireland, each contestant must complete a Beauty with a Purpose Project.
I have recently completed a charity event for Miss Ireland's chosen charity, Variety Ireland.
We were asked to hold a ‘Fantasy Afternoon Tea Party’ where I brought a very special girl to afternoon tea.
Variety Ireland kindly sponsored our costumes for the day, and we dressed up as Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
I would like to kindly thank the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris for their generosity on the day of the event.
They sponsored the Afternoon Tea Party and made Mia Gallagher (the little girl) feel like a princess, with her favorite treats and photos of Ariel with decorations, balloons, messages in a bottle.
It was so wonderful and magical. We both had a spectacular day.
The atmosphere was enchanted, and Mia was so grateful with the treatment she got, she will never forget it.
I also thank Thomas Murphy, the photographer, who captured the magnificent shots of the day. He was so professional and did an excellent job.
You see his work by following his Instagram page @TeemLens.
Q: What did you take from the tea party in terms of growing ahead of the Miss Ireland Final?
The tea party was great. I also felt like a princess alongside Mia.
This past year has been so hard for everyone and any little glimmer of hope or a chance to feel somewhat normal in this crazy world must not be taken for granted.
The tea party made me excited to be able to dress up and feel like a princess again. The Miss Ireland Grand Final will be a great ending to what has been a troubling 18 months and I will enjoy every minute of it.
Q: What advice do you have for those who aspire to be in the pageant industry?
Be yourself - unapologetically. You have absolutely nothing to lose, only things to gain.
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so give it your all, take that step outside of your comfort zone and enjoy it.
Miss Ireland has opened so many different avenues for me. I am an ambassador for Cancer Fund for Children, which wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Miss Ireland.
I have made so many new friends and met amazing people along the way. If you are contemplating doing a pageant, just do it. What have you got to lose?