The RTÉ 2FM Junk Kouture Wildcard entries for this year’s final are announced.

In early March, 75 entries were selected from around the country to appear at the grand final in 3Arena. For those who did not qualify, there was still hope that they would be thrown a lifeline to represent their school with the RTÉ 2FM Junk Kouture Wildcard selection.

This year, Star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Michelle Visage will join the judging panel with The X-Factor’s Louis Walsh to lend their entertainment expertise to proceedings to help their fellow judges - Dr Tracey Fahey from LIT, Jane Leavey of Griffith College, and former winner and LSAD graduate Stephen McLaughlin - on the night.

Junk Kouture have now revealed that the remaining five final spaces have been awarded to one team from each of the five regions, chosen by RTÉ 2FM DJ Tara Stewart, with the announcement made exclusively live on air on RTÉ 2FM social accounts at 12.00 noon today.

Known for her own vibrant style, Tara had her work cut out for her as she picked her favourite outfits from the many talented teams nationwide that just missed out on securing a place at the final during the regional selection process.

The final, although postponed for now, will still take place in 3Arena this autumn, celebrating 10 years of Junk Kouture, powered by RTÉ.

The five lucky RTÉ 2FM Junk Kouture Wildcard designs that will now go on to compete at the event later this year are:

• From the Northern Region: Olann Álainn by Aoife Brogan of Deele College, Raphoe, Co Donegal;
• Eastern Region: Once Upon A Culture by Anastazija Stojakovic, Alex Sirbu, Mansi Neerputh of Larkin Community College, Dublin 1;
• South Eastern Region: The Butterfly Effect by Lexie Carty, Nadine Kehoe, Aoife Moorehouse of Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford;
• Western Region: Bee Gold by Moya Ibbotson, Katie Flynn, Moya Guinan of Gallen Community School, Ferbane, Co Offaly;
• Southern Region: Arcoiris by Lauraine Canty, Sophie Pyke, Rachel Lambe of Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Tara Stewart said that the standard of designs from students was through the roof: “It was a difficult decision to make as there were so many worthy winners with so much creativity and colour incorporated into the designs. I have picked Wildcard outfits that I think will definitely stand out on stage at the final in 3Arena this autumn,”

She continues by saying: “I was impressed by the brilliant stories and even political messages behind the designs. Important topics ranging from global warming and Pride to arranged marriages were touched on by students – I think it is safe to say that the kids are alright! I can’t wait to see everyone strut their stuff later this year. Best of luck!”