The coveted title of Miss Universe Ireland has been won by 23-year-old model and sales associate Cailín Áine Ní Toibín.
The Cork native was chosen at a glamorous ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin last night, where 30 finalists competed to be Ireland’s representative at the global pageant later this year.
Three women from Donegal were chosen as finalists this year – Kayleigh Hone from Donegal Town, Simone Crawford from Castlefinn and Roisin Gallagher from Falcarragh.
Roisin was delighted to be placed in the top 10, which was then whittled down to top 5, before the winner was announced.
Roisin told Donegal Woman: “I was really happy to place! We went out and did another catwalk in our gowns. My beautiful dress was sponsored by Pure Boutique, and the 12 year old singer Ali Sherlock was singing as the top 10 did their catwalk. I unfortunately didn’t place in top 5 but was happy to represent the county in the top 10.”
The new Miss Universe Ireland Cailín is a Brand Advisor for Brown Thomas and is committed to bringing more mental health awareness to Ireland. She has volunteered with Pieta House’s Darkness Into Light movement and the Big Sister Little Sister programme.
Miss Universe Ireland – Cailin Tobin. Image @missuniverseireland
Joanna Cooper, a Co. Derry model, handed over her crown to Cailín after her two-year reign, as Ireland was not represented in the pageant in 2016.
Donegal’s three contestants shared updates on social media from the night as they thanked their supporters:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYd7PPAnLZG/?taken-by=simonecraw
