Nine Offaly design teams are to take part in Junk Kouture final

Nine Offaly student design teams - eight of which are from Gallen Community School in Ferbane - will represent the county at the regional finals of a junk fashion competition later this month. The ERP Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion Competition challenges budding fashion designers to rework rubbish and other already used materials into high-end couture fashion for both men and women. Seventy teams will take place in the regional finals in Athlone's Hodson Bay Hotel on March 25. Speaking about the final, ERP Junk Kouture co-ordinator Elizabeth O'Donnell said she's delighted with the level of interest piqued by the competition. She added that the outfits set to be showcased in Athlone are "truly remarkable". Meanwhile judge on the night Yvonne Holmes of ERP said she's looking forward to being blown away by creativity on March 25. She also said the competition isn't just about a pretty design. "Students also have to carefully consider what role sustainability plays in their design concept, which makes them think twice about their attitude to recycling and encourage behavioural change," she said. Anyone interested in checking out the talent at the show can buy tickets priced at €12.50 from www.erpjunkkouture.com. Those attending will also get a €5 discount voucher on their ticket if they bring along 20 used batteries or ten small electrical items for recycling. And the Finalists are... The successful Offaly designs and teams that will compete on March 25 are as follows: 'Gúna an Ghrá' by Ciara Lucas and Caoimhe Mahon from Banagher College 'Queen of all Traits' by Chloe Ryan, Laura Cassidy and Chloe Mullen from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'Colour Me Beautiful' by Eimear Flynn, Rachael Seery and Orlaith Fitzmaurice from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'The Little Mermaid' by Aoife Corbett and Therese Cosgrove from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'Plasper Chic' by Tara Flynn, Catriona Dillon and Therese Cosgrove from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'Flower Maze' by Chanelle Keegan and Caoimhe Kenny from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'Gold Digger' by Kate Egan and Ciara Spain from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'Trash Rags' by Carrie Egan and Megan Gale from Gallen Community School, Ferbane 'Hula Media' by Ciara McElearney, Niamh Hynes and Chloe Flynn from Gallen Community School, Ferbane