This article is from page 10 of the 2012-10-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
SOME well-known male personalities in Clare are getting in touch with their feminine side as they aim to awareness for Rape Crisis Midwest.
The Dainty Daisy competition was launched in Ennis on Friday. The event takes place at the Auburn Lodge Hotel on Saturday, November 24 and involves 12 men from across County Clare taking part in a beauty competition with a difference. Rivalry between the competitors continues in a light-hearted fashion, with many remaining tightlipped about their party piece and evening gown for the event.
The MC on the night will be Ciana Campbell and the judges include Clare Rose Orla McDonagh, and Tess Purcell, fashion stylist.
Verena Tarpey, Director of Fundraising with Rape Crisis Midwest, said the organisation have received a fantastic response to the event so far.
She explained, “Miss Read, Seamus Ryan, is our youngest contestant and works at Ennis Town Li- brary. We also have Miss Cast, Ken O’Shaughnessy – when she isn’t acting in her local panto, she likes to get down and dirty with a Hotpoint and Whirlpool every now and then. When she isn’t running lines, she is running around Ennis fixing washing machines.”
In addition to raising awareness for Rape Crisis Midwest, organisers hope to challenge the stereotype that Rape Crisis Centres are just for women. Rape Crisis Midwest provides free, professional counselling for male and female survivors of all forms of sexual abuse.
Ms Tarpey stated, “It can be extremely difficult for men to come forward and look for help. Men frequently feel isolated and alone as there is little talk or understanding of the sexual abuse of boys and, particularly, of the sexual assault of adult men. Rape Crisis Midwest, however, does provide a safe environment where the survivor comes first.”
Tickets are on sale and are available to purchase from the contestants, Auburn Lodge Hotel and Rowan Tree Café Bar. The Rape Crisis Cen- tre can be contacted at 1800 311511, online at www.rapecrisis.ie or on the centre’s Facebook page. The centre is based at Tracklands Business Park, Clonroadmore, Ennis.