Belturbet embraces Lady of Erne

The Lady of the Erne contest like the Rose of Tralee epitomises the high point of the summer season when people come together in large numbers to partake of the festive spirit that radiates through both events. The Lady of the Erne is now in its 19th year and is losing none of its sparkle. In fact the contest is gaining in strength as a tourism promoter of this region and like its associated Belturbet Festival of the Erne is widely acclaimed for the positive image that it conveys of this area. There are 18 contestants in this year"s Lady of the Erne contest with every region of the country represented from Belfast to Kerry. Lady of the Erne Director, Brendan Fay, explains the hard work that is involved in the organising of each Lady of the Erne contest. Brendan heads up a committee of dedicated personnel that includes Nuala Corrigan (secretary), who has been a tireless worker in the running of the contest for several years. Mark Leonard and Maria Hoare are also very key to the contest"s overall success. Mark plays an active role in the running of the Northern heats of the competition while Maria is very much engaged in the running of the Southern heats. The traditional pre-festival photo shoot took place in Belturbet on Sunday which was attended by 16 of the 18 contestants, as well as contest organisers and sponsors. It was an opportunity for the girls to get to know each other. Fast forward to this Thursday morning when the girls come to Belturbet for the start of an exciting three days of celebrations. The girls will travel by bus to Belleek Pottery (one of the sponsors) where they will be taken on a tour of the world renowned facility on the banks of the Erne. They will then travel by luxury cruiser up Lower Lough Erne courtesy of Waterways Ireland who are also laying on lunch for the contestants. When they arrive back in Belturbet the girls take a short break before preparing for dinner. Next on the programme is their first meeting with the judges and this is followed by a short tour of businesses in the town before they conclude the evening with a short sing song in the Widow"s Bar. On Friday morning the Lady of the Erne contestants start what is for them a hectic day. They are taken by two cruisers back down the Erne for a tour of Crom Castle. Paul Clark, compere, of UTV fame, manages to interview each of the contestants on this trip. When they arrive back in Belturbet the girls are then chauffeured by limousine to Cavan Crystal (another of the sponsors) for a tour of the facility. It"s then to Cavan Courthouse for a civic reception laid on by Cavan County Council and after this is over the girls are driven to the Slieve Russell for a dress rehearsal at 3 pm. The count down is starting for the actual Lady of the Erne contest later in the evening and following dinner at 6 pm they get ready for the show which starts at 8.30 pm. As stated that show is compered by Paul Clarke and as he interviews each of the delightful young ladies the five member judging panel have to make the tough decision - who is their choice of winner. The newly crowned Lady of the Erne is serenaded by all present and she goes on to perform a week of important functions at the Festival of the Erne. She is a worthy ambassador for Belturbet for the coming year.