There’s something very different, or perhaps we should say ‘alternative’ going on in Dromahair this Sunday, June 5 - and it’s all for a great cause.

For the second time in eight years the village will come to a standstill - as huge crowds are expected to make their way to the Blue Devon for the ‘Alternative’ Miss Dromahair.

For weeks now Gerard Fowley has been begging, coaxing, arm twisting and cajoling 12 male friends to compete for the title and somehow he has managed to convince them to get in touch with their feminine side!

Among the aspiring Roses are two members of the boys in blue, a well known barman and a whole host of others from farmers to painters who have been working on their tans and in some cases we hear getting their backs waxed (ouch) - all in a bid to win this much coveted (not really) title.

The fact that they are willing to do so is down to the man who asked them to get their high heels on, local Grogan & Currid employee Gerard, who has taken time off work every year for the past five years to work with the Niall Mellon Township Trust in South Africa.

This year under the title Mellon Educate, the charity has taken a new direction to provide better standards of education to 100,000 children in Africa.

Mellon Educate organise their now renowned “building blitz” trip to Africa for volunteers from all over the world to travel and lend a helping hand building better infrastructure in poor African communities.

Gerard says, “I thought I knew what poverty was, but south Africa five years ago opened my eyes and that’s why I’m appealing to local businesses and people of the community of Dromahair and surrounding areas to please support this fundraising venture so I and all the other volunteers can roll up our sleeves and help lift children out of a life of hopelessness.”

He had a special word for the twelve ‘Roses,’ “They might be a bit on the thorny side, but to a man their hearts are in the right place and we’re going to have a great night.

“They’re still talking about the first one back in 2008, so I think people who go on the night will go home with a smile on their face.”

A night of fun, craic and entertainment is guaranteed. Admission is €10 on the door on the night. All proceeds are in aid of Gerard Fowley's fundraising for Niall Mellon Township Trust.

It kicks off on June 5 from 8.30pm in The Blue Devon, Dromahair.