A YOUNG North Belfast woman has been selected as a finalist for Miss Diamond Ireland 2027.
Miss Diamond Ireland is an annual beauty and confidence pageant that gives participants of all ages a platform to build self-esteem, highlight personal style, and support charitable or cultural causes.
Macey Clarke (18), from Tiger's Bay, has been selected as a finalist for next year's competition, which will take place at the Balmoral Hotel on May 1 and 2.
Speaking to the North Belfast News, Macey said: "When I was in college, I saw an advertisement for Miss Great Britain Belfast pageant and I applied for it.
"I ended up being the youngest finalist to compete in it and placed in the top five.
"I never thought I could belong in pageants because of where I am from. I am from Tiger’s Bay which is known for having a bad reputation of anti-social behaviour, violence and most of all sectarianism.
"I thought pageants were people that looked and grew up differently to me. I then realised that I could be myself.
"The whole journey has become much more than wearing a sash and standing on a stage.
"I want to use my platform to encourage young people from communities like mine and others like it to show them that their background should not stop them for believing that they can’t achieve something.
"I have now been selected as a finalist for Miss Diamond Ireland 2027. It is unbelievable. I still need to pinch myself sometimes."
