Miss Ireland

Melanie Boreham

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am very interested in fitness and nutrition, and I love to read humorous novels. I enjoy supporting the local music scene by watching both contemporary and traditional bands perform in Belfast. I am actively involved in the church and I enjoy listening to tales of Irish folklore.

Name one person other than your parents who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
While attending the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, my family went to see former gold medalist Sonia O'Sullivan, an Irish long distance runner, compete in her race. A huge Irish crowd had come to support her, with a bodhran drum and plently of cheer. We expected her to do well, but as the race went on she became slower and slower, until all the other runners were at least one lap of the track ahead of her. Sonia kept going, even as the other runners past her by, and finished the race almost a minute after the others. For gritting her teeth and enduring the whole painful race, she got the greatest cheer of the day and made me realize that participating with dignity and good grace is what counts.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I am currently a psychology student, and my ultimate career goal is to be an educational psychologist. After completing my undergraduate degree, I intend to embark upon a Ph.D. in educational psychology, and then register as a chartered educational psychologist. My main aspiration is to investigate and develop new therapies to help children with learning difficulties.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in Drumbeg, a village in the north of Ireland. I grew up in a small, close knit community where my family has lived for generations. In the summertime I would play outside with my little brother in our neighbouring farmer's fields and go for long cycle rides with my father by the River Lagan, a protected area of outstanding beauty. My family and our close friends would spend some time every summer on the west coast of Ireland. The beaches were idyllic, and we would spend all day surfing and fishing until we were called in to warm up by the fire in the evenings. I was lucky enough to have a very happy childhood, surrounded by my family who are very dear to me.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I have to say that the most unique aspect of my character is that I am genuinely laid back (some might even say horizontal!) and that I find it impossible to take myself too seriously. I think that this stems from my Irish upbringing and that I live my life safe in the knowledge that the 'luck of the Irish' will help me fulfill my dreams. Furthermore, my easygoing streak makes me great fun to be around, and I cannot wait to find kindred spirits in the other contestants.

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