3 Limerick finalists announced for Miss Universe Ireland 2026
The competition serves as an increasingly influential platform for ambitious young women in Ireland, opening doors in modelling, media, business, advocacy and international representation.
Three Limerick women have been announced as finalists in the Miss Universe Ireland 2026 competition.
The official Summer Launch Party was held in Dublin at the iconic Bewley’s Café Theatre on June 4, where the finalists were announced to include Limerick women Natalia Rybakowska, Leah Marie Sheehan and Aideen Howard.
The Miss Universe Ireland Final will be held on Saturday, June 20, at The Bonnington Hotel in Dublin, where the winner will be crowned by the current Miss Universe Ireland, 19-year-old Aadya Srivastava from Galway.
19-year-old Natalia Rybakowska, a student at the University of Limerick and rugby data analyst for Stats Perform, said she views challenges as "opportunities to develop discipline and use failure as motivation, rather than setback."
"My motivation comes from my ambition, I'm driven to improve constantly, learn from every experience, and push beyond my comfort zone," the Adare woman explained.
The competition serves as an increasingly influential platform for ambitious young women in Ireland, opening doors in modelling, media, business, advocacy and international representation.
Leah Marie Sheehan - a recent biochemistry graduate from Annacotty – believes that her journey "reflects a balance of ambition, compassion, and creativity."
The 23-year-old continued, "Whether through science, caregiving, working with children, or pursuing my passion for acting, I strive to bring dedication and authenticity to everything I do."
Alongside the honour of representing Ireland at the Miss Universe global final, the winner will also receive an exclusive prize package.
Delegates from more than 100 countries will compete for the coveted title, with reigning Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico, crowning her successor.
Marketing and French student at the University of Limerick, Aideen Howard from Castletroy, said that for her, Miss Universe Ireland is about "far more than an appearance or a title".
"It is an opportunity to represent resilience, kindness, and personal growth while positively using my voice. I would be incredibly proud to represent Ireland while staying true to the values that matter most to me," the 22-year-old continued.
The Miss Universe Organisation is a global, inclusive organisation that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds and religions.
This year's event will mark the competition's 75th anniversary, reflecting decades of global influence, cultural relevance, and an enduring commitment to empowerment.