23-year-old Aishah Akorede, from Leixlip, Co Kildare has been crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2023!
Aisha received her crown at last night Miss Universe Ireland competition, and will be representing Ireland at the Miss Universe competition in El Salvador this November.
The Law Graduate is currently completing the Chartered Governance Qualification Programme. She also holds a Masters in International Corporate Governance with a Degree Plus Employability Award from Queen’s University Belfast.
She also works as a Fashion Model but her greatest passion is her work as founder of ‘Recrowned Ireland’: a social justice initiative aimed at helping women feel comfortable, confident and aware.
First runner-up was Katie O’Connor, and second runner-up was Sofia Labus.
Miss Universe Ireland 2023 will follow in the footsteps of current Universe Ireland Katharine Walker. Katharine represented Ireland at Miss Universe in Eilat, Israel and has used her platform to help the fight for our wonderful nurses to receive better pay and working conditions, Katharine wowed audiences with her dramatic cape which reveals the words’ Fair Pay for Nursing’.
Katherine crowned the new Miss Universe Ireland and also played a vital role on the judging panel.
Aishah will represent Ireland at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition in El Salvador. 2023’s highly-anticipated event will feature 90 women from around the globe vying for the job of Miss Universe, selected via events including personal statements, in-depth interviews, evening gown, and swimwear. The evening will culminate with the 71st Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, crowning her successor.
The red carpet was rolled out for the last night’s final at Liberty Hall Theatre with a sparkling show taking inspiration from elements and symbols of Ireland. Alan Fitzsimons wowed guests with a taste of his Andrea Boccelli Experience and guests were also treated to music by Peter Regazoli and singer MiMi.
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DWTS Pro Dancer Denys Samson
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds and religions creating a safe space for women to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically. The women who participate in this international platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities and fans around the world.
The Miss Universe Organization exists to advocate for a future forged by women – women with the courage to push the limits of what’s possible, who are curious enough to make world-shaking discoveries, and audacious enough to do this over and over. We believe that the future of humanity rests on reaching gender equity around the world.
Miss Universe Ireland has been the launch pad for many eminent, successful, and inspiring women in Ireland including Rozanna Purcell who placed in the top 10 of the world final.
Pictures by Brian McEvoy