Tipperary lady on her way to Miss Teen Ireland 2026

17 year old Clonmel teenager Tara Longergan is hoping to scoop the Miss Ireland Teen 2026 award this weekend, as one of 20 contestants taking part in the 2026 contest.

Miss Ireland Teen is the younger sister of the Miss Ireland competition, and Tara is up against other contestants this coming May Bank Holiday weekend in The Red Cow Inn in Dublin on Monday, May 4. On the day, two winners will be announced, the Miss Ireland Teen Junior and Miss Ireland Teen Senior.

In preparation, Ms Lonergan has worked with local communities with her project, “Soul Speark”, and says she hopes to bring “happiness and support to her local town”.

She’s also volunteered with Sonas Nursing Home Melview in Clonmel, and has sent donations to the Cuan Saor Women’s Refuge also based in the town. A proud dancer with AOK Dance, Tara says she’s “excited and grateful” for the opportunity to take part in Miss Ireland Teen.

“I worked so hard to get to this point in my life. You would never have thought I was once the girl with no confidence. I want to show teens and adults, that it’s okay to be different.”

Tara says she is also focusing on helping the teens in Ireland with their confidence, with their mental health, as well as hearing loss and eating disorder awareness.

Open to girls aged 13 to 17 years, Miss Ireland Teen brings the same values of Miss Ireland with contestants undertaking a training tuition programme that covers social media training, social awareness, community catwalk training, as well as photoshoots and interview skills.

Over the course of several weeks finalists take part in events both online and in-person, with prizes being awarded in categories such as sports, talent, eco-fashion, top model, and “Teen 4 Change”, which highlights their community and charity.

There are also two public-voted winners via a special app. Established in 2023, the intention of Miss Ireland Teen brings “the values of the legacy that is Miss Ireland to the new generation”.