Natalie Goddard, runner-up; Kathleen Campbell; Elizabeth "Lisa" Lane, Miss Colleen 2012; Allison Clegg; and Marie Canasti.
| 30th Annual Miss Colleen Pageant
The 30th annual Miss Colleen Pageant took place at Hooley’s Irish Pub & Grill in Rancho San Diego on Saturday, February 11th. Hooley’s provided wonderful Irish food and everyone enjoyed some very special Irish music provided all evening long by An Bhrosnach. These talented young ladies competed for the title of "Miss Colleen 2012" and for the opportunity to be sponsored by the Irish Congress to travel to Warrenpoint, Ireland to represent San Diego and participate in the Maiden of the Mournes contest this August. Mick Ward emceed the event, as he has for the past twenty-three years. The night also featured a performance by Irish dancers, including Irish Congress member Patrick Thomas, his wife and family. The Judges for the Pageant were Montyne Connolly, Sue Dodge and Terri Saffron. Bernadette Malone was Chair of the event along with co-chairs Moe Giacalone and Susanna Pastell. |
The Miss Colleen Pageant
The San Diego Miss Colleen Pageant was originated in order to promote a sense of spirit and unity within the Irish community and awareness of its history and culture. Since its inception in 1983, the Miss Colleen Pageant has served as a platform for growth and inspiration among young Irish women as well as an opportunity to unite the Irish community. Participants submit a brief essay and are interviewed on stage about their backgrounds, interests and career aspirations. Miss Colleen 2012 will have the honor of representing San Diego in the annual Maiden of the Mournes contest in Ireland in August. The participants represent nations from all over the world, ranging from the United States to Russia, Australia, and Spain. It is a tremendous experience. “The Miss Colleen Pageant is a testament to the rich, ethnic diversity of our society and gives a glimpse into the many different cultures around us,” says Delphine Malone, the 2009 Miss Colleen Pageant & Dinner Honorary Chair. “This pageant encourages young Irish women to reach for new heights and to work hard to make their dreams a reality. It is our hope that contestants will learn from this experience and use it as a stepping stone to future leadership roles, enabling them to be role models for the growing Irish community.” | 
Elizabeth “Lisa” Lane was crowned “Miss Colleen 2012” and Natalie Goddard was named runner-up. Miss Lane is a sports reporter for KUSI and a brand ambassador for 5-Hour Energy and Miss Goddard is a student at the University of California, Davis.
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Maiden of the Mournes
The Maiden of the Mournes Contest is a personality competition for young ladies between the ages of 18 and 25 from any nationality. It takes place in Warrenpoint, Ireland, The Irish Congress provides round-trip transportation and while there, all meals and accommodations will be provided for the week at no charge.
The participants take part in a variety of Public Relations activities which may include visiting local shops, shopping centers and the local Council Offices. They may also visit the City Hall in Belfast where they will meet the Lord Mayor and possibly be interviewed on TV. They will be taken on a tour of the Mourne Mountains and visit a typical cottage dating back to the last century where they will sample Irish food and music and join in the entertainment. Each participant will be interviewed by a panel of independent judges and be interviewed on stage by a TV personality. Here they will to perform a party piece – singing, dancing, reciting etc.
The winning maiden will receive a check for £500 on the final night and another check for £500 when she returns the following year to hand over her crown. She will also be expected to carry out Public Relations duties during her reign. This may be in Ireland or her own country.
Maidens chosen to represent their area should be outgoing, easy to get along with and comfortable with performing in public.
The San Diego Miss Colleen receives an automatic entry into the Maiden of the Mournes contest.
The participants take part in a variety of Public Relations activities which may include visiting local shops, shopping centers and the local Council Offices. They may also visit the City Hall in Belfast where they will meet the Lord Mayor and possibly be interviewed on TV. They will be taken on a tour of the Mourne Mountains and visit a typical cottage dating back to the last century where they will sample Irish food and music and join in the entertainment. Each participant will be interviewed by a panel of independent judges and be interviewed on stage by a TV personality. Here they will to perform a party piece – singing, dancing, reciting etc.
The winning maiden will receive a check for £500 on the final night and another check for £500 when she returns the following year to hand over her crown. She will also be expected to carry out Public Relations duties during her reign. This may be in Ireland or her own country.
Maidens chosen to represent their area should be outgoing, easy to get along with and comfortable with performing in public.
The San Diego Miss Colleen receives an automatic entry into the Maiden of the Mournes contest.
