The preview of finalists taking part in the Miss Ireland 2022 grand final in association with Tan Organic at the Theatre Royal, Castlebar on Saturday 20th August 2022. Pictures:Brian McEvoy
This year’s Miss Ireland finalists have been announced, with 36 contestants now vying for the title.
The finalists this year have been put through their paces in a challenging competitive process over the last three months testing their skills in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist was tasked with raising much-needed awareness and funds for their chosen charities.
The over-riding theme this year for Miss Ireland, proudly sponsored by TanOrganic, is ‘Our World Our Future’ with a focus on the environment and global citizenship. TanOrganic is the world’s first eco-certified, organic self-tan brand, and this year, for the first time, a new Miss Eco-Ireland sash is being awarded.
The finalists vying for the coveted crown this year are a highly educated and accomplished group with an eclectic mix of professions and aspirations in fields such as human rights law, medicine, global commerce, corporate law, criminology, cybersecurity, dental nursing, chartered accountancy, international business, performance arts, medicine, psychiatric nursing, economics and politics, marketing and retail innovation, broadcasting, physiology, zoology, biomedical science and social science
Miss Ireland 2022 will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes including jewellery, gowns, professional photo shoots, beauty and hair products and will jet off to represent her country at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world. She will also enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to the Maldives to do a photoshoot later in the autumn.
Now let’s meet those in the running for this year’s crown.
Miss Carlow Emmanuella (Ella) Ambrose 19 years old from Youghal who is studying IT Management in SETU CarlowMiss Clare Derinn Finnerty 20 years old from Ennis County Clare who is studying Global Commerce NUIG and recovering from her third spinal fusion surgery to fix her spine due to severe scoliosisMiss Cork Saoirse OShaughnessy 22 years old from Coachford, Co Cork who is working as a Full-time care assistant in A&E in the CUH and recently qualified as a personal trainerMiss Cork City Eve Mullins 21 years old from Whitechurch County Cork who is studying Early Years and Childhood Studies in UCCMiss Cork East Chloe McCarthy 20 years old from Passage West, Cork who is studying Early Years and Childhood Studies in UCCMiss Cork North Sofia Labus 19 years old from Ballyvolane Co Cork who has plans to study Criminology in UCCMiss Cork Peoples Choice Meg OMahony 21 years old from Greenmount, Cork City who is studying Business Information Systems in MTU with a degree in Art and DesignMiss Cork Southeast Carol Ryan 25 years old from Blackrock in Cork City who is working as a Business Support Manager specialising in Cybersecurity and as a modelMiss Dublin Katie OConnor 18 years old from Dublin who is working as a makeup artist, model and a ballroom and Latin dancer who has already represented Ireland in multiple world dance championshipsMiss Dublin Central Jasmine Gerhardt 24 years old from Clonee in Dublin who is a law graduate and Human Rights Masters studentMiss Dublin City Carine (CeCe) Tiesoh 25 years old from Blanchardstown in Dublin who is working as a dental nurse and a modelMiss Dublin South Kate Coffey, 23 years old from Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin, works as a model and influencer, and is currently studying a master’s degree at Smurfit Business School.Miss Dublin West Britney Madondo 19 years old from Grangegorman in Dublin who is studying Film and BroadcastingMiss Galway Ava Mathews 21 years old from Loughrea County Galway who is studying a Bachelor of Science degree in NUI Galway majoring in Physiology and also working as a modelMiss Kerry Kasey McCormack 18 years old from Tralee Co.Kerry who hopes to pursue a career in nursingMiss Kildare Ciara Smith 19 years old from Clane County Kildare who is studying for a performance degree in TU Dublin’s Conservatory of musicMiss Kilkenny Shreya Ambade 19 years old from Kilkenny City who is currently studying Biomedical Science at UCDMiss Laois Sarah Corbet 19 years of age from Clonaslee Co Laois who is studying Law and human rights in NUI Galway and hopes to one day work for the UNMiss Leitrim Rachel Foley 22 years old from Kinlough Co. Leitrim who is working as a receptionist and modelMiss Limerick Emily Maunsell 21years old from Clonmel Co Tipperary who is studying International Business at University of LimerickMiss Louth Maiya McGonagle 19 years old from Drogheda who is pursuing an integrated masters in Zoology in Bangor university and has her own sustainable fashion brand
Miss Mayo Lauren Forkan 22 years old from Castlebar, Co. Mayo, is working in retail and has a passion for music.
Miss Meath Aíne Duff 25 years old from County Meath who has a degree in Modern Languages, Spanish and Italian and wishes to pursue a career in fashionMiss Monaghan Rachel Martin 26 years old from Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan who is working as a Business Development ExecutiveMiss Munster Ivanna McMahon 27 years old from Barefield, Ennis, Co. Clare who studied medicine at University College Cork and currently working in Tralee, Co KerryMiss Munster People’s Choice Orla Winston 20 years old from Kilsheelan, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Who is a student at UCC, studying CommerceMiss Navan Anna Clarke, 24 years of age, born in China, adopted into an Irish family from the age of 1 and living in Navan, Co. Meath who is working as an in-person PT and Online Fitness CoachMiss Roscommon Rachel Doran 22 years old from Roscommon town, who has just completed her degree in events and public relations and works as model and content creator.Miss Sligo Chloe May Clarke 19 years old from Ballisodare, Co Sligo who is studying secondary school teaching in Dublin City University and a fluent Irish speakerMiss Tipperary Megan Kelly 19 years old from Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary who is studying Business with Event ManagementMiss Tipperary South Kerri Doyle 18 years old from Killenaule, County Tipperary who is working as a make-up artistMiss Waterford Tara Dornbusch 23 years old from Waterford City who recently completed her veterinary nursing studiesMiss Waterford City Heather Murray 23 years old from Waterford City who is studying beauty in Kilkenny College of Beauty & Sports Therapy.Miss Wicklow Tanya Flood 24 years old from Druids Glen in Co. Wicklow who is working as a Research and Development Scientist with a degree in Chemical and Pharmaceutical ScienceMiss Wicklow Town Erika Bellamy 21 years old from Kilcoole in Co. Wicklow studying business in DCUMiss Wexford Cassie Gaynor 21 years of age from Castlebridge in Wexford town who is just finished her level 8 degree in social science and currently working in candy boutique
Established in 1947, Miss Ireland has been the launch pad for many eminent, successful, and inspiring women in Ireland. In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €300,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and this year are proud to partner with Variety Ireland, an Irish charity helping sick, disadvantaged and children with special needs since 1951.
