Amy and Ellise miss out on European titles

Despite missing out on the crowned title both teenagers Amy Uprichard and Ellise Annett said they loved every minute of the contest.

Amy, is no stranger to the people of Banbridge following her very public battle with leukaemia since May 2013, and Rathfriland girl Ellise, were part of the team of 10 girls from across the province who were competing for a title.

The Grand Final of the pageant in Kent in England saw a fun-filled week including a spectacular opening ceremony, fancy dress competition, gala dinners, photo shoots, and day trips cumulating in a team dance final and grand finale where Miss European was chosen.

The overall winner for the Northern Ireland team was Michaela Lindsay (16) from Dundonald and the runners up were Natalie Watters (22) from Newtownards and beauty therapist Jofa Collins (21) from Armagh while Mini Miss Northern Ireland was Stephaine Walsh.

Amy (17) studies Business Studies, Chemistry and Biology A levels at Banbridge Academy said she made friends for life at the event.

She performed in the Grand Opera House as a soloist in Sleeping Beauty and took part in Pump Up My Dance on RTE.

After the contest she posted on Facebook, “Thank you to the Miss European organisers for putting on a jam packed enjoyable week for all involved! I will definitely be sleeping for a week after that exhausting week at the pageant.

“I want to congratulate our Miss European princess Michaela. You did Northern Ireland and your team proud smile emotion congrats to our two deputy princesses Natalie and Jofa, yous did fab!

“I think I can safely say our whole team should be proud of themselves. You all put your heart and soul into everything and honestly brought tears to my eyes watching you all on the stage!”

She also congratulated the overall winner Miss Emma Franklin (Wales).

“Stunning girl both inside and out... a true winner,” she posted.

Ellise (18) an A level student at at New-Bridge Integrated College said she would would love to pursue a career in Educational Psychology.

She graduated from a Modelling School and said she loves to take part in any opportunites that are open to me.

“I’m a Christian, and I thank the Lord for everything he has done for me,” she said. “I feel so blessed to be apart of this amazing experience.”

“Oh the nerves and excitement can’t wait to see my girls and spend an amazing week with them! It’s going to be unreal. I can’t wait to meet all the other beautiful ladies from countries across the world. Friends for life to be made this week I know this will be an experience of a lifetime.”

Amy, performed in the Grand Opera House as a soloist in Sleeping Beauty and took part in Pump Up My Dance on RTE.

She takes part in a lot of charity work mainly as Make A Wish, NI Cancer Fund for Children, Clic Sargent and Friends of the Cancer Centre.

She said, “I am so proud and feel very privileged to be part of Northern Ireland’s Miss European Team alongside all of these beautiful girls.”

Ellise (18) an A level student at at New-Bridge Integrated College said she would would love to pursue a career in Educational Psychology.

She graduated from a Modelling School and said she oves to take part in any opportunites that are open to me.

“I’m a Christian, and I thank the Lord for everything he has done for me,” she said. “I feel so blessed to be apart of this amazing experience.”

Three girls are selected from each country and then the top girl, the European National Princess, competes for the coveted Miss European Title.