Housing crisis and cancer research a priority for Miss Mayo Lauren Forkan
MISS Ireland hopeful Lauren Forkan is hoping to use a new platform to draw more attention to the housing crisis and cancer research.
The newly-crowned Miss Mayo, who is from Castlebar, will be one of 38 hopefuls competing in the 75th Miss Ireland which will take place at the TF Royal Theatre for the very first time on August 20 in a huge event for the diamond jubilee of the competition.
Looking back on a ‘crazy’ period, the 22-year-old said: "There are no words for it. It’s a great title to have to spread awareness on key issues that are happening in today’s world.
"I did Miss Mayo first back in 2020 at the height of Covid, where we had to do social distancing. My main thing was to give myself that confidence boost. I just applied on a whim, got an interview and that was it.
"I’ve always been into these kind of pageants but it’s not just (the pageants). It’s about spreading awareness and having a voice and having that platform there so people will listen to you."
Her aforementioned major issues she wishes to bring light to are the housing crisis and cancer research, two subjects that have affected her on a personal level.
When she was 18 years old, Lauren lost her Mum to bowel cancer.
"Regardless what has happened to you in the past or where you come from, it can happen to you."
Lauren has also been affected by the housing crisis, having been affected over three times in the last two years alone in Castlebar with landlords regarding renting costs, a lack of communication and wrongly judged as a young person just going out all the time.
"The rent situation is appalling. I work for Harvey Norman, they’re a brilliant company, but I don’t have the money to save for the future.
"I’m getting letters for rent for €1,500 a month. It’s across Ireland and I want to speak up about it. There’s no cap on rent and the landlords are charging extortionate rents. It’s absolutely mind boggling and I just don’t understand it.”
Reflecting on a recent viewing she had for an apartment, Lauren added: "I had a viewing for an apartment in Castlebar for a decent price, but then never heard back. Tried to get in contact with them but nothing. Wouldn’t tell me I got it or not.
"They’re also very invasive on your application form. I work a nine to six job. I’m very dedicated to my job and want to become a store manager one day. When I’m trying to rent, they just see a young person going drinking. That’s not the case.
"They feel they can treat you however they want. I’ve been ripped out of deposits. It’s an ongoing issue.”
She has been working full-time with Harvey Norman for the past nine months and has described their support as ‘amazing’.
"When I told my manager, Craig. that I was going for Miss Ireland, he put it in the weekly briefing for the stores across the country. I had heart palpitations to see my name come up!
"They’ve been really supportive and the people that I work with have. They’ve been right behind me and they’ll be there on the night of the final."
A charity ball will take place on Friday, August 19, the night before final followed by the grand finale in the TF the next night, with 1,500 expected to be in attendance, including Lauren’s family, friends and work colleagues.
She will have many more across the county cheering her on too.