Connemara model aims for the stars with Miss Earth

Date Published: 17-Oct-2012

Multi-talented Galway model Cara Lyons will be flying the green flag in more ways than one when she travels out to represent Ireland in the Miss Earth competition in the Philippines in November.

The 22-year-old Connemara model will fly out to Manila on November 1 and go up against almost 90 other contestant from around the globe for the title of Miss Earth. The Miss Earth candidates will need to balance beauty with an awareness of environmental issues if they are to claim the overall crown in the final on November 24.

The emphasis placed on environmental awareness was one of the things that attracted Cara to the competition. The contestants will model bikinis and evening wear at the final but they are also required to give speeches and answer questions on environmental issues.

“I have been modelling since I was 16 so I’ve always had an interest in beauty pageants but I never really took part in them,” said Cara, who hails from the Maam Cross area.

“I was waiting for one that was more my thing. This one has a cause so that was interesting. Whether or not I win, I still have a job to do afterwards.”

The professional model and artist recently claimed the Miss Earth Ireland title and she will take on an advocacy role in Ireland for the next year.

“As Miss Earth Ireland for 2012, I am an ambassador for environmental awareness and wildlife conservation. What I want to do in Ireland is to set up my own project where I travel to primary schools and educate children about the environment. I really think it is important to get them at an early age because it creates habits that will last them for a lifetime.”

Read the full interview in this week’s Connacht Tribune.