AS if alterations to the annual parade weren't sufficiently shocking, there are other surprises planned for this year's St Patrick's Day, not least a beauty pageant on the eve of the national holiday. It has been almost 10 years since the last Alternative Miss Ireland competition (when the winner was Miss Isle) but at last the event is going to be revived on Saturday, March 16th to raise funds for Dublin Aids Alliance.
As befits such an occasion, there are absolutely no restrictions on who (or even what) may enter. However, in time honoured fashion all contestants will be expected not just to proclaim a determination to, work with small children but also teeter down the ramp in day, swim and evening wear.
Poise and personality will, it seems, be just as important as any transient beauty. Prospective entrants are advised that the awards on offer include the Silver Shillelagh, the Golden Briquette and the Medusa Crown of Shamrocks. As for the fabulous line up of judges who will make those critical decisions on the night, it includes such embodiments of contemporary glamour as Rita Crosbie, Michelle Rocca and Brenda O'Donoghue.
The location for this extravaganza is Temple Bar's new Music Centre, on Curved Street, which is due to open at the end of this month. Nor is March 16th's party the only event from which Dublin Aids Alliance is, to benefit in the near future.
The creative team at Toni & Guy hair salon on Dublin's South Anne Street are offering their services for free on Sunday, March 3rd provided each customer (who can also benefit from the presence of a Buttercups beauty consultant) donates £30 to the charity. It sounds like the perfect way for a competitor in the Alternative Miss Ireland to start making preparations.