Emma Roarty from Dunlewey is one of three young Donegal women announced in the Class of 2018 of Miss Universe Ireland.
The 22 year old DCU Journalism and Irish graduate was this week named as a Top 30 Miss Universe Ireland finalist, which is a dream role for some.
Emma was chosen from an open audition in Dublin last month. Although she has known that she was through to the national final since last week, she had to keep it a close secret before the official reveal.
Emma tells Donegal Woman: “I’m so excited. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the other girls. The final is on August 2nd, but before that we have two photoshoots and other events.”
Emma has just recently returned home to Donegal after travelling around Australia. Now, she helps out at her family’s business at the foot of Errigal, while preparations begin for the pageant final.
The ultimate winner will be selected to represent Ireland in the Miss Universe final, as well as winning €40,000 worth of prizes.
Emma said she is looking forward to getting some modelling experience ahead of the show. The pageant has undergone some changes in recent years to shift focus from beauty to add extra emphasis on advocacy.
While Emma has not yet chosen a topical issue to focus on, she said: “I think it’s a good platform to voice your opinion and views on certain things.”
Emma said she has a keen interest in supporting mental health charities, and charity work is another key element of the pageant campaigns. “Mental health is such a big issue and it’s so important to raise awareness,” she adds.
An exciting month lies ahead for Emma and all the 30 finalists as they aim to be Ireland’s ambassador for 2018.
Other finalists in the 2018 contest from Donegal are Niamh Frain from Letterkenny and Grainne Gallanagh from Buncrana.
‘It’s a privilege and an honour’ – Niamh Frain is named as a Miss Universe Ireland finalist
