Banbridge woman wins Miss Ulster

Courtenay won the competition on 17 November at Stormont’s Parliament Buildings and fought off 13 other competitors to scoop the coveted title.

Speaking about her win Courtenay said: “I’m ecstatic I cant believe I won! I didn’t go in thinking I would win. The experience itself was enough for me and getting my hair and make-up done on the night.”

Along with the Miss Ulster Title, the 20 year old Occupational Therapy student will receive flights for 2 to Las Vegas, a trip to the Algarve, a modelling contract with the prestigious Style Academy and various beauty treatments.

Michelle McTernan, founder of the competition, said that it had received overwhelming support from not only entrants but also politicians and the media.

Michelle was delighted with Courtenays win and said she would be a “perfect ambassador for the province”.

She said: “We are delighted to crown Courtenay as the first ever Clubworld Travel Miss Ulster.”

As part of the competition Courtenay modelled autumn/winter fashions and faced tough questioning from a panel of judges made up of business professionals, politicians and broadcaster Lynda Bryans.

Courtenay has a packed schedule, with photshoots, presentations and a front page cover for Northern Woman magazine in Spring.

Her first appearance as Miss Ulster will be on Thursday at Northern Ireland’s first ever Thanksgiving Day, which is taking place in the Belfast Empire.

Courtney also proudly mentioned that she is “not only representing Ulster but im representing Banbridge town and all of my family and friends.”

Speaking about what the future holds as Miss Ulster, Courtenay said, “I graduate in July, so I plan to juggle both University and my modelling career. I want to make people proud representing Ulster and enjoying the whole experience.”