At the Mister International Ireland: 1. Winner Francis Usanga & organiser Deric Hartigan; 2. 1st runner-up Shane Lennon & Simone Power; 3. Kayleigh Fitzsimons & Andrea Kane. Pix. Brian McEvoy.
It was one of the hotly tipped favourites, Francis Usanga, who impressed the judges and walked away with the 1st Mister International Ireland title at the national final selection in the Button Factory in Temple Bar.
It was one of the hotly tipped favourites, Francis Usanga, who impressed the judges and walked away with the 1st Mister International Ireland title at the national final selection in the Button Factory in Temple Bar.
Francis fought off tough competition from 14 other finalists in a night that set pulses racing, as the boys strutted their stuff in casual wear, formal wear and swimwear rounds. Following individual interviews of the top 10 finalists with host Amanda Brunker, the final decision came down to the judges which included Alan Hughes (TV3), Paula Lenihan (Editor, RSVP), Sonja Mohlich (Stylist) and Ray Shah (DJ).
Commenting on his new title as the 1st Mister International Ireland, Francis said: "I never expected this, I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm looking forward to representing my country and doing Ireland proud’.”
Commenting on his new title as the 1st Mister International Ireland, Francis said: "I never expected this, I'm absolutely thrilled. I'm looking forward to representing my country and doing Ireland proud’.”
National Director of the Mister International Ireland franchise Deric Hartigan commented on the winner: “I think Francis is a great choice and a fantastic representation of the Mister International Ireland brand. With his smouldering good looks and toned physique, he represents the modern man and modern Ireland. Congratulations to our 1st runner up Shane Lennon, 2nd runner up Daniel Moriarty and indeed to all the other contestants, who did themselves proud on the night.”
Francis scooped a prize package worth in excess of €10,000 including a photoshoot with RSVP Magazine, grooming for a year from Grafton Barbers as well as a year’s free membership with Total Fitness gym. In addition, he will now go forward to represent Ireland in Taiwan in November, where he will compete against national finalists from 30 other countries.
