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Spectacle fan Eleanor in final of Irish Spectacle Wearer of Year

September 14th, 2016 5:35 PM

By Southern Star Team

Eleanor is vying for the Irish national title in the annual Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition. (Photo: John Allen)

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Ballincollig's Eleanor McCarthy is one step closer to winning the coveted title of Irish Spectacle Wearer of the Year after being chosen as the winner of the 60+ age category. 

BALLINCOLLIG’S Eleanor McCarthy is one step closer to winning the coveted title of Irish Spectacle Wearer of the Year after being chosen as the winner of the 60+ age category. 

Following a nationwide search, Eleanor beat off stiff competition from hundreds of entries and is one of five finalists who will compete to represent Ireland at the Grand Final in London on October 11th.

Specsavers Opera Lane store manager Mark O’Sullivan is pictured presenting the winner of the over 60 age category of Spectacle Wearer of the Year, Eleanor McCarthy, with her prize – a bottle of champagne, a Specsavers eyewear voucher and a certificate.

The Cork woman was encouraged by her son, Killian, to enter and is absolutely delighted she proceeded in doing so. Having worn glasses for over 20 years, Eleanor is a proud specs wearer and often purchases new glasses for special occasions. 

Speaking at the prize-giving, Eleanor McCarthy said: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to have reached the final five and would be so proud to represent Ireland at the Grand Final in London. I couldn’t do a thing without my glasses and aside from the practical aspect, I love experimenting with different frames. I’m looking forward to choosing a new pair using my prize voucher.’

The Irish finalists were chosen from all over the country across five age categories – 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59 and 60+ – and one lucky winner will receive a makeover before mingling with celebrities at the star-studded Grand Final in London, which celebrates specs wearers from the Republic of Ireland and the UK. Competition ambassador and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt will announce the overall Spectacle Wearer of the Year who will win €12,000 in cash, €1,000 worth of glasses from Specsavers and an all-expenses trip to global fashion capital, New York.

Now in its 21st year, the competition raises valuable funds for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin with €1 donated to the charity for each eligible entry received. Specsavers has raised €140,000 since 2014.

 

 

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