Passionate Carndonagh woman Rosemary Doherty will be representing her hometown this summer at the 2018 Miss Earth Northern Ireland Grand Final with Richmond Centre.

The 23-year-old has been inspired by her late mum Eileen Doherty to join the pageant that celebrates beauty and responsibility.

Rosemary is one of the select finalists hoping to become the Northern Ireland eco-beauty winner and go on to compete for the Miss Earth 2018 crown.

Miss Earth Northern Ireland 2017 Maire Lynch with Rosemary Doherty – Miss Earth NI 2018 finalist

Speaking to Donegal Woman, Rosemary explains how her participation in the contest is rooted in her interest in the environment and her mother’s positive influence.

Rosemary said: “For me, I started this Richmond Centre Miss Earth NI journey in memory of a very special person I lost last May, my mum.

“Those who know me will think it’s totally out of my nature but The Richmond Centre Miss Earth NI is so much more than one of the top 3 most prestigious pageants alongside Miss World and Miss Universe. It works to promote environmental awareness and beauty for a cause.

“The Richmond Centre Miss Earth NI also passes on a very strong and important message for me, this is simply the power and strength of women and how together we are unstoppable. In my eyes we as women should build each other up, instead of tearing each other down.”

Rosemary Doherty – Miss Earth NI 2018 finalist

Rosemary champions the view that small actions can make a big difference when it comes to the environment.

“My advocacy for my Richmond Centre Miss Earth NI journey is climate change and recycling, the reason for this selection is due to the importance of trying to keep our climate a clean and eco-friendly environment for both our generation and the generations to come, our animals and wildlife.

“Recycling is also something I used to share doing with my mum on a regular basis, remember that small actions can make big differences. Both The Richmond Centre Miss Earth NI candidates and winners actively promote and get involved in the preservation of the environment and the protection of Mother Earth.”

Rosemary is hoping to be the 12th representative flying the flag for Northern Ireland after the final which will be held on 28th July at the Waterside Theatre in Derry.

The NI winner will receive an impressive prize package, including a once in a lifetime trip to the world finals of one of the most prestigious beauty competitions in the world and walk away with an enviable prize list.

The finalists will be working closely together to support charities, including ‘Beauties for A Cause UK’ which was founded by the UK Miss Earth finalists to support environmental awareness, animal protection and conservation giving the girls the collective opportunity to raise funds for projects and organisations in the UK such as The Playtrail in Derry.

Competition sponsors include Richmond Centre, Nikita Doherty Hair Extensions Specialist, Elite Aesthetic Treatment Clinic, Elite Tan and Beauty, Precious Moments Boutique, APM Marketing & Filmmakers, Photographics Derry, Award Winning Stylist Mark Purdy Hair Design and Equivalenza- Derry City based in Richmond Centre.