Last time I saw Sami Long she was celebrating her official homecoming party at Pier One Limerick, and here we are again having our interview at Sami's new hot-spot in town!
Looking as gorgeous and as graceful as always, Sami seems to be busier than ever, keeping her promise to get some amazing charities noticed and promoting the Miss UN Pageant at the same time. Most recently, the Adare-born beauty has been thrown in to the Spotlight, presenting an award at the Irish Goosberries and doing interviews with the very well respected I Love Limerick crew.
But she's also getting some earned recognition herself. The Mayor of Limerick Maria Byrne held a civil reception for Sami, to honour her for her title as Miss UN Europe. The law student says she was overwhelmed by the positive feedback she received:
"I didn't really know what to expect. I had been to a reception before where I was not the guest, so being the guest I was really nervous, but it was actually really relaxing. I was so happy with the people that were there. There were 25 people, three being from my main charities: Claire Kirby from Limerick Animal Welfare was there, along with Shay Kinsella the founder Share A Dream foundation and Brendan and Terry Ring were there, the founders of the Cliona Ring Foundation. "
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| The Mayor of Limerick with Sami |
The mayor presented Sami with a scarf and personalised pen, which she also gave to the three charities that attended. All the representatives and the Mayor herself stood up and said a few words about the young role model, congratulating her on all the work she's accomplished, espiciall with regards to charities. Sami said:
"It was such a great experience, it really felt like a tribute to me, I was so grateful."
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| The Civil reception thrown my the Mayor of Limerick for Sami |
As well as having that honour Sami has been getting a lot of recognition for even more charities. Her main charity that she supports remains to be Aware, the charity which supports depression in Ireland. In January Sami helped out at the launch of Depression Awareness Week Nationwide (DAWN) this morning, which marked the introduction of Aware's new Online Support Groups.
The Cliona Ring Foundation is a new charity that is very important to Sami now. The charity gives financial support to families of children who are facing life-threatening illness. Sami met the founder, Brendan Ring, at the 4th Annual fundraiser and she admits she knew straight away that the organization was really special:
"There is no other charity out there like it. They really help out with the simple things. It could be something as simple as a kid wanting a mobile phone... that can change anything. Once I heard what the foundation was about I knew it deserved recognition. I vowed that I would try and give them as much publicity as possible during my reign"A few weeks ago Sami, who is an animal lover and 100% vegetarian, also attended the opening of Limerick Animal Welfare's clothing shop. The opening was also attended by Munster rugby player Jerry Flannery and the I Love Limerick team. The new shop now has some amazing clothes in stock and all proceeds go to Limerick Animal Welfare, and no where else!
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| Sami, Richard Lynch, Claire Kerby and Jerry Flannery at Limerick Animal Welfare |
Sami's reign as Miss UN Europe will end in November 2011, so she has 10 more months to help those charities that really need promoting. The Limerick girl is definitely supporting her local organizations. Most recently she attended the opening of Pieta House in Limerick ( The Centre for the Prevention of Self Harm or Suicide). She also attended the launch of Raquel Rocca's debut single 'City Of Angels'. It's clear that although she spends half of her time in her apartment in Dublin for Pageant duties, Limerick will always remain in her heart.
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| Richard Lynch with Sami at the opening of Pieta House |
Every time I meet Sami it's clear that the spark I saw in her from day one has not burnt out, in fact, it's become stronger. There is definitely an internal ambition to help others and get charities in need recognized. Although she will be returning to UCC in September to complete her degree in Law it's clear that Sami will continue to go from strength to strength as a person of influence and a role model for young women.
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| Willie O'Dea & Sami at the Pier One for the launch of Raquel Rocca's debut single wearing a dress she got from Limerick Animal Welfare (believe it or not) |
PS!!
Sami also joined me at The Ivory Closet Limerick's Valentines Party! Check it out here:
