Blooming Heather for beauty finals

Heather O'Brien from Kells has made it to the Irish final of the Ms Planet Beach International 2010 Spokesmodel Contest. She was one of three selected from a bevy of beauties at the second round of the competition in Q Bar Nightclub, O'Connell Street recently. Heather, who is 19, is currently studying for her a commerce degree in NUI Galway, and hopes to have a career in business. The final will take place in Pure Nightclub in the Burlington Hotel on 29th August, when one lucky contestant will be selected from 20 girls to represent Ireland at the Ms Planet Beach International finals in Reno, Nevada in October. The winner of this prestigious title receives $100,000 in cash, a free Planet Beach franchise worth $30,000, and a modelling contract for one year. Last year's Irish winner, Tania Zorrilla from Ballsbridge, won an all expenses paid trip to the international final in Mississippi. The high profile event is hosted by actress and former Miss USA, Ali Landry, and Lorenzo Lamas, actor, director and producer, best known for his role in 'Grease' and the television series 'Falcon Crest'. Ms. Planet Beach International supports 'Make it Right', a charitable organisation founded by Brad Pitt to rebuild eco-friendly homes in the Hurricane Katrina-devastated Ninth Ward area of New Orleans. Last year sixty-five contestants from the United States, Canada, Italy, Ireland and United Kingdom raised funds with online voting to support Planet Beach's efforts to fund a sustainable home for a family in need. Ms Planet Beach International 2009, Alison Skipper earns prizes rivalling 'America's Next Top Model' and 'Project Runway'. She received a $100,000 Planet Beach contract, waived $30,000 franchise fee to open a Planet Beach Contempo Spa, exclusive photo shoot at Jamaica's Runaway Bay Breezes and more. She also promoted the company worldwide and was featured on Planet Beach's international calendar and company advertising campaigns. The winner, plus two runners-up, from each of the five Irish heats, go forward to the grand final which will be held at Pure Night Club at the Burlington Hotel on Saturday 29th August next. Celebrity judges include Killian O'Sullivan from Fair City and DJ on Dublin's FM104; model, Sara Kavanagh and Jennifer Maguire from 'The Apprentice' and 'Failte Towers'.