A hopeful Miss Ireland says her famous politician mother inspired her to follow her dreams.
in Duff (25), who was crowned Miss Meath in June, says as she watches her mother, EU Commissioner for Financial Services Margaret McGuinnessachieving success in politics gave her the confidence to shoot for the stars.
Next month, Aine will compete with a host of women in Castlebar, Co Mayo to become the 75th Miss Ireland. She said: “Mom never pressured me or my siblings to be successful.
“I think because we know everything she accomplished so much, it was always in the background that I wanted to do for myself as well.
I was always that kid who went into mommy’s closet and put on her high heels
“I think seeing Mom working in a male-dominated area showed me that I can achieve anything I want, that the only person who’s really holding me back is me.
“She’s so supportive and I’m very lucky to have her.”
It was also dressing up in the clothes of her politician and former journalist mother that sparked her passion for fashion. “I was always that kid who went into Mommy’s closet and put on her high heels. I’ve always loved fashion.
“I really want to work in the industry and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to apply for Miss Ireland, to settle in and meet and network. I studied styling and fashion, so I really want that to be part of my future.”
Aine said she hadn’t expected to make it to the final.
“To be honest, I didn’t think I would make it. I was the last girl called that night to say I was a finalist, so they really kept me on the edge of my seat.
Aine Duff with parents Mairead McGuinness and Tom Duff
“I was in complete shock, I think I told my mother and sister that night to get the car ready so we could leave soon, so I really didn’t think I’d get this far.
“It’s a great opportunity and I’m just going to do as much as I can this year.”
It seems talent runs in the family as Aine’s sister, Meath footballer Orlaith Duff, is going up against Kerry in the
All-Ireland final tomorrow at Croke Park.
Orlaith was on the team for Meath’s historic overall win over Dublin last year, but there is no sibling rivalry, according to Aine. “My sister plays for the Meath football team, so I had to go somewhere to represent Meath,” she said.
Orlaith Duff leads the Meath team at the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Intermediate Championship Final
“I’m actually away in Lisbon for the weekend, but I’m sure I’ll find an Irish bar that shows it and I’ll cheer her on all the time.
“I was also gone last year when they won the All-Ireland, so maybe it bodes well.”
Aine is hosting a charity afternoon tea event for Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services on August 7 at the Newgrange Hotel in Navan.
See eventbrite for more information.