One of the most popular elements of the festival is the crowning of the Oyster Pearl. Running since 1956, the competition seeks “talented and personable” young women who act as the face of the festival for its duration and the year ahead. Each Pearl is nominated by a local business, and the 2011 installment which took place at the Hotel Meyrick on Monday evening attracted 11 participants.
Representatives from companies such Michelle’s Beauty Rooms, the House Hotel, Ashford Lodge, Supermac’s, and Jurys Inn all took part, while the Galway Advertiser had a contender of its own in Ciara Kilgallen. The Sligo native explained the process the girls go through: “We had to meet yesterday morning before coming back for another chat over lunch. We had a drinks reception that evening followed by dinner and the show itself. It was just 10 minutes each on stage, answering questions, it was really good fun. I was nervous at first but everyone made me feel at ease.”
The judges take note of the girls’ performance throughout the course of the day as well as their stint on stage at the formal event. Participants submitted completed questionnaires to the committee before the event, and these often form the basis of the host’s questions on the night. Galway Bay FM’s Jimmy Norman hosted the event, while Irish Independent fashion editor Bairbre Power, Miriam Hand of Lancome, and Catwalk Model agent Mandy Maher comprised the judging committee. The competition was eventually won by the ESPA at the g Hotel Pearl Serena Trench who received a pearl necklace from Newbridge Silver, a €300 cheque. and a host of additional prizes. All the Pearls received a number of gifts and will take part in the festival parade which will start from the Hotel Meyrick at 11.30am on Saturday September 24.
Ciara Kilgallen expressed her appreciation for all the assistance she received in the build up to the event: “I would just like to thank all those who helped, Born who provided my dress, Zenith who did my hair, and the Beauty Rooms who did a lovely job on my make up.”
