A 19-year-old Fermanagh woman will compete in the Miss Northern Ireland grand final this year after being crowned ‘Miss Magherafelt’ at a recent heat of the contest.

Zara Fitzpatrick, a store manager from Enniskillen, was awarded the title at the Magherafelt heat which was held on March 16 at LJ’s Tavern.

At the same heat, Aoife McCloy – a 20-year-old from Magherafelt – was crowned ‘Miss LJ’s Tavern’.

The two women impressed the judging panel on the day, which comprised Managing Director and event organiser Victoria Withers; LJ’s Taverns owner, Lisa Forbes; former Miss Northern Ireland, Lauren Leckey; owner of Sell Your Car to Jax.com, Colin Cunningham; and compère, Miss Northern Ireland, Daria Gapska.

Both Zara and Aoife will now go forward to the grand final in Belfast’s Europa Hotel on May 22, where they stand a chance of winning the coveted title of ‘Miss Northern Ireland 2023’.

Competition organiser Victoria said: “We were thrilled to be at LJ’s Tavern, it was the perfect venue to continue the search this year and a brilliant night was had by all.

“Magherafelt had a strong calibre of girls who entered. Once again, it was a fabulous night, and a huge congratulations to the winning girls and a big thank-you to all who came along.”

Last year’s winner, Daria, added: “Congratulations to Aoife and Zara! My year as Miss Northern Ireland has been a dream come true.

“It is something that I will treasure forever, and I cannot thank event organiser Victoria Withers and ACA Models enough for giving me this life-changing opportunity.

“I would also like to thank all of my amazing sponsors for everything that they have generously provided for me this year as Miss Northern Ireland. It certainly has been a busy year!

“I am so excited to get to know all of the girls as they embark on their Miss Northern Ireland journey, and I would like to wish them the very best of luck.”

The competition is still open to entrants, with heats taking place across the country. The next heat will take place this Friday, March 31 at The Gasworks, Dungannon.

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