From the Derry Journal archive: Verona selected to represent Derry in ‘Rose of Tralee’ (May 1988)

An eighteen-year-old ‘A’ level student at Thornhill College has been chosen to represent Derry in the Ulster Final of the ‘Rose of Tralee’ International Festival to be held in Newry over the weekend June 17-19, 1988.

By Staff Reporter

Published 21st May 2020, 19:00 BST

Updated 22nd May 2020, 10:35 BST

Verona McCready, from Hazelbank, was chosen at the regional heat which was held in Derry’s Boulevard Nite Club on Monday night last.

The success was all the sweeter as this was Verona’s first major beauty competition.

“I was delighted at being invited to compete and did so after a little persuasion from my friends. I entered for the ‘crack’ and am really looking forward to my expenses paid weekend in Newry for the Ulster final,” said Verona.

Her biggest supporter is her younger sister Joanne, who refused to let go of her arm after the result was announced on Monday night.

“Joanne got really excited after hearing my name being announced as the winner.”