Meagan is a beauty Queen

A LISBURN girl has been crowned the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013 at a glittering ceremony in the Europa Hotel.
University of Ulster student Meagan Green, age 23, from Lisburn is crowned the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013 at a glittering ceremony in the Europa Hotel. Picture: Cliff DonaldsonUniversity of Ulster student Meagan Green, age 23, from Lisburn is crowned the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013 at a glittering ceremony in the Europa Hotel. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
University of Ulster student Meagan Green, age 23, from Lisburn is crowned the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013 at a glittering ceremony in the Europa Hotel. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

The search to find a fresh face to represent Northern Ireland at Miss World ended on Monday night as gorgeous Meagan Green, 23, from the Carnbane Road beat off stiff competition from 25 other finalists to walk away with this year’s crown plus thousands of pounds worth of prizes including an all-expenses paid trip to Miss World in Indonesia, a Kia car from Downey’s, taxed and insured for a year by Open + Direct, as well as a wardrobe of designer dresses for Miss World from Beverly Hills, a year’s contract with top model agency ACA Models and many more amazing prizes.

Winner Meagan said: “I think I’m in a state of shock, I’m just so happy and truly delighted to be taking over the crown and representing Northern Ireland. Being part of the competition has been amazing fun and I honestly never thought I’d get this far. I’m very excited for what lies ahead and I know the best is yet to come, especially with the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Indonesia for Miss World. I’m thrilled to say the least and I plan to enjoy every single minute of the next year.”

The extravagant gala final was a glamorous affair hosted by stunning TV presenter Zoe Salmon - a former Miss Northern Ireland herself – alongside TV news broadcaster, Marc Mallett. Audiences were wowed by the entertainment, the contestant performances and a fabulous fashion show by fashion sponsors The Outlet in Banbridge.

Meagan whose ivory embellished lace evening gown was deigned by Una Roden intends to take a year out from her business management studies. “I am going to fully dedicate my time to my new role and take a year out,” explained Meagan.

Colin McEvoy, Director of Operations for title sponsor Open + Direct said: “Staff from each of our 16 branches have been cheering on their local finalist, but I can say on behalf of everyone at Open + Direct that we’re all delighted Meagan has won this year and we wish her all the very best for the year ahead. We’re so proud to have been the title sponsor for the Miss Northern Ireland contest again in 2013, it’s been another fantastic year for the competition and one that all of our staff have enjoyed being part of.”

And handing over her title, the 2012 winner Tiffany Brien said: “I’ve had an amazing year as Miss Northern Ireland and have enjoyed so many fantastic experiences. It’s with a heavy heart that I have to hand over my crown but I’m delighted to be passing it to Meagan, who is a very worthy winner. I wish her every success with her year as Miss Northern Ireland 2013.”

Runners up on the night included Anna Henry age 18, from Portglenone who is a student who came second and Emma Ward age 22, from Belfast also a student, who was placed third.