The Irish Congress of Southern California and Guinness Proudly Present the

27th Annual Miss Colleen Pageant and Dinner

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Holiday Inn On The Bay

The 2010 Miss Colleen Pageant and Dinner was held January 24th, and it was indeed a grand and gala event. The night was filled with pipes and drums  from the San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe & Drums band, music by Cashel, and dancing from the Malone Academy of Irish Dance and The Field Irish Dancers.

Emcee Mick Ward was his charming and humorous self and the evening moved at a wonderful pace. Dinner was deliciously prepared by Chefs de Cuisine.

Dressed in elegant gowns, the contestants were interviewed by Ward providing a little insight to the personalities, character, and community involvement.   The young women who participated were all intelligent, beautiful, and interested in exploring their Irish heritage and representing Irish community. It was a difficult decision for judges because all of the women were such wonderful examples of Irish American heritage.

Aine Prendergast, a sophomore at Cal State San Marcos, was selected as the 2010 Miss Colleen, with Nicole Shook as the first runner-up. Both women are amazing young ladies and wear their crowns with pride and integrity. In addition to serving as an ICSC Ambassador at community events throughout the year, including the Irish Congress St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Aine will represent San Diego County in the Maiden of the Mournes festival, an international event held in Warrenpoint, Ireland.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in the Miss Colleen contest, the link below will soon have the 2011 application. For now, study the 2010 application, visit our Miss Colleen home page, and see if this wonderful Irish cultural event is for you.

2010 Miss Colleen and Maiden of the Mournes application

2010 Miss Colleen Aine Prendergast

2010 Miss Colleen runner-up Nicole Shook (left) with 2010 Miss Colleen Aine Prendergast (right)

The contestants (left to right): Katelyn Hunt, Nicole Shook, Meagan Smith, Aine Prendergast, Christine Metzler, and Melissa Collins

Emcee Mick Ward interviews Melissa Collins

Cashel (George Rubsamen on the left and Gerard Nolan on the right)

(Thanks to Henriquez de la Cruz for all the photos on this page)

Miss Colleen home page

2009 Miss Colleen Pageant

Past Colleens

2010 Miss Colleen and Maiden of the Mournes application

Maiden of the Mournes