County Derry teenagers shine bright on the catwalk

Two teenage girls from County Derry are quickly making a name for themselves on the local modelling scene.

Cara Donnelly, from Desertmartin, and Hannah Rose McDaid, from Ballinascreen, both students of the Northern Ireland School of Modelling, led by Ann Connor, had success at the recent Miss International 2024 competition.

Cara (16) was crowned the winner of the prestigious modelling competition, held in Belfast's Clayton Hotel on November 17.

Meanwhile, Hannah Rose (17) was presented with the Miss Fashionista title and and was also placed first runner-up in her category.

Both girls only joined the modelling agency earlier this year and are already making waves in the industry.

ABOVE: THE GIRLS PICTURED BEFORE THE COMPETITION.

Cara, a sixth form student at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, got her first taste of modelling at a fashion show organised by her former school, St Colm's in Draperstown.

Despite being nervous before taking to the catwalk, the former cheerleader said she fell in love it and couldn't wait to experience more.

While searching for a formal dress in 2023, Cara paid a visit to 'She's Fabulous' boutique in Garvagh where she found her perfect dress. Cara, who works part time at iMed Healthcare in Draperstown and Splash NI in Moneymore, was delighted when 'She's Fabulous' owner Kathryn asked her if she would model some of her dresses in a photoshoot.

In May this year, Cara applied to become a student of the Northern Ireland School of Modelling.

“I couldn't believe my luck when I got accepted and began a six week intense training programme. We learned so many new skills during this time and I learned a lot, especially catwalk skills, posture, discipline and tips and tricks to calm the nerves. Ann Connor's daughter was brilliant at learning us how to be at ease on the catwalk and how to hold ourselves. The group of girls I have trained with are and will be lifelong friends. Everyone supports each other and encourages each other,” Cara said.

Since joining the agency, Cara has taken part in photoshoots in Ballycastle and Lloret De Mar in Spain, where she spent four days modelling on the beach and at various landmarks.

Cara returned home craving more and was delighted to be accepted as a finalist in the Miss International 2024 competition.

“We had to take to the catwalk first in formal wear, again 'She's fabulous' kitted me out in the most beautiful gown, and my partywear for the second part of the competition was very kindly given to me by a friend. I even got to model DV8 clothes on the night as well,” she said.

ABOVE: CARA PICTURED ON THE CATWALK.

“The night itself was an unreal experience, wearing beautiful clothes – it was an experience you only dream of. Standing waiting to go on was the part where the nerves got me the most, that and of course waiting on the results. Though thanks to one of our mentors, Steph, I didn't fall to pieces.”

Cara said she couldn't believe it when the judges crowned her the winner of the competition.

“Getting placed first was something I never thought for one minute would happen and I am still so shocked but so happy to have my beautiful crown, sash and a free trip to Spain next year, all thanks to the Northern Ireland School of Modelling,” she added.

Cara's proud mum Donna has nothing but praise for the modelling agency her daughter has joined.

“From a young age, like every other girl, Cara loved all things fashion, make-up and loved cheerleading. As Cara said before, she got her first taste of modelling when Kathryn from 'She's Fabulous Formal Wear' gave her the opportunity to model dresses for her,” said Donna.

“When she asked to apply to model for Northern Ireland School of Modelling, I initially had reservations because of the horror stories you read about trolls online, body shaming and girls not eating to become models. However, these fears could not be further from the truth. I was instantly put at ease and told that this was not ever going to be the case and that the girls are always encouraged and praised, not frowned upon, and told to change this or that. A child's happiness is what every parent strives for and I can hand on heart say Cara is very thankful and happy to be part of this great agency. Dreams do come true thanks to Ann Connor and her team.”

Beauty Therapy student Hannah Rose, who turns 18 in January, said she first came across the Northern Ireland School of Modelling while browsing Instagram and was signed up earlier this year.

Last weekend's competition was the second that she has entered and had success in.

“I had my first experience on the catwalk in March this year taking part in the Miss Winter Wonderland competition. I was crowned Miss Photogenic and then came second runner-up in my category. In October this year I also travelled with the modelling school to Lloret De Mar in Spain for a fashion shoot,” said the NRC student, who works part-time in her mum's catering business.

“As I attend the modelling school I had the opportunity to enter the Miss International competition. The competition involved two parts, the first was party wear and the second was formal wear. We then took part in a fashion show showcasing clothes from DV8.

“I got on really well in the competition. I was crowned Miss Fashionist and then I placed first runner-up in my category.

ABOVE: HANNAH ROSE PICTURED AFTER BEING CROWNED MISS FASHIONISTA.

“I really enjoyed it from start to finish. I met some really great girls and lifelong friends. We have had some great times from March up until now – from my first competition, training school and the best trip to Spain – great fun was had and great memories made.”

Hannah Rose, who plans to pursue a career in the beauty industry but wants to continue to model, added: “I want to thank Ann, Steph, Meghan and Colleen from the modelling school for all their help, training and pep talks. It has been the best experience.”

Hannah Rose's proud mum Siobhan said the experience has really helped to build her daughter's confidence.

“I was really excited for Hannah Rose to take part and I was very proud of her to have the courage to get up and model in front of others,” said Siobhan.

“It has really helped to build her confidence which will help to develop other areas of her life as she gets older.

“I am very proud of what she has achieved so far and can't wait to see what the future holds for her.”