Geraldton beauty honours her familly

Emma McDougall certainly has the luck of the Irish.

The 19-year-old Geraldton beauty is currently representing her Irish heritage across the nation as a top 11 finalist of the Rose of Tralee festival.

With roots stretching as far as Ireland, Canada, the USA and New Zealand, Miss McDougall said she wanted to make her ancestors proud through the international contest.

“The Rose of Tralee is not a beauty contest, it is about inner beauty and if you have ever heard the song, it is really quite emotive and I am honoured to be part of this year‘s competition,” she said.

“I wanted to enter this year to honour my Irish heritage.

Also, my grandmother passed away just over a year ago and I am doing this in her memory to honour her.

“Even though I have yet to visit Ireland, I feel very close to many family members like my mother and grandmother who were born there.”

Contestants have visited Parliament House and participated in a St Patrick’s Day street parade as part of the Rose of Tralee traditions.

She said the contest had been a great way to network and make friends within WA’s flourishing Irish community.

“I’m just happy to make new friends in the Irish community, do something to honour my grandmother and the girls are all so nice,” Miss McDougall said.

“It just feels like I’m on the right path for my life for now, it’s all about the journey for me.

“I can see this contest is like one big extended Irish family and growing up with two parents who migrated here to the lucky country of Australia, reminds me that my family is not so unique, there are many who have come here to celebrate and embrace Australia.”

According to the Irish Club of Geraldton, the last Rose of Tralee entrant from Geraldton was registered in 1995.

Miss McDougall’s mum, Fiona, was born in Tullamore, part of the county of Offaly, in Ireland and grew up in Canada before marrying Andrew McDougall, a Kiwi from Christchurch.

Mrs McDougall said the family were supporting her daughter and had strong hopes she would make it to the final international competition in Ireland in August.

“Emma’s our beautiful rose, regardless of the outcome, as her parents we know the joy and friendship she extends to all who know her and it’s wonderful to see her celebrating her Irish heritage,” she said.

“I think she has a real chance ... she’s done so much good and works humbly and this is so deserved.

“As a collective with family around the globe, we are delighted Emma has chosen to enter the 2015 Perth Rose of Tralee and we wish her every happiness.

The final international competition will fall on Miss McDougall’s 20th birthday, August 18.

A gala ball will take place on May 23, where the winner will enter the international final.