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The 2013 Beleeks GAC Belle of South Armagh is well underway and 12 finalists have been picked for the competitions finale on the 14th of September.
The competition is designed to celebrate the positive history of arts, song, sports, music and culture associated with the South Armagh region and the committee have confirmed their selection of 12 Belles who go forward to this year’s final where the reigning Belle, Dromintee’s Briege Rice, will hand over the mantle to another young south Armagh woman.
The 12 finalists who will appear at the Belle of South Armagh Final at the Carrickdale Hotel on 14th September 2013 are:
Nicole O Callaghan, Camlough
Janet Lavelle, Cavanakill, Whitecross
Louse Casey from Cullyhanna
Hannah Morgan, Crossmaglen
Emma Hanratty, Crossmaglen
Aisling Muckian, Silverbridge
Janine O Hanlon, Lislea
Ursula Savage, Outlacken, Belleeks
Claire O Callaghan, Belleeks
Stephanie Morgan, Jonesborough
Shannon Hughes, Belleeks
Coleen McCann, Mullaghbawn
Secretary of Belleek Laurence O Tooles GAC, Frances Murphy said: “Last year was the inaugural event and it proved to be a wonderful night and a great celebration of our communities, football clubs and local heritage. This year we want to create an even bigger event and we’re asking the local communities and businesses to get involved and support their local Belles.”
The winning Belle is presented with tickets for two people and accommodation for 3 night stay in New York for St Patrick’s Day where the Belle will represent South Armagh in the NYC parade. The best escort will be awarded with two tickets to the all-Ireland with overnight accommodation.
Judging panel has been confirmed as Paul Doughan - Chairperson, Armagh Co Board, Charlie Smith, Former Chairman of Newry & Mourne Council and well known for all his work with the Art and Drama Society, Lynda Strain, Slieve Gullion Springs and Breige Rice - last year’s winning Belle. The final will be hosted in the Carrickdale Hotel on 14th September. Guest MC on the night is West Tyrone MLA, author and Gaelic Football enthusiast Barry McElduff.
