Two Tipperary ladies to represent the Premier county at Miss Ireland finals
Two Clonmel ladies will represent Tipperary at the Miss Ireland finals later in November, in preparation for the Miss World final in Tanzania in 2027
Tipperary has two reasons to celebrate, as two local beauties prepare to take centre stage at the Miss Ireland 2026 Grand Final.
Erin Mitten (25) from Clonmel is Miss Tipperary and Marie Maunsell (23), also from Clonmel, is Miss Tipperary South. The two fmalists will proudly fly the flag for Tipperary as they compete for the coveted Miss Ireland crown on Saturday, 21 November, at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.
Now celebrating its 78th year, the annual competition brings together finalists from across Ireland for an evening of glamour, entertainment and excitement as the search for the next Miss Ireland reaches its finale.
Miss Tipperary Erin Mitten (25) from Clonmel is a qualified beauty therapist and makeup artist, and has been working in this industry for the last five years. She also has a qualification in social media and digital marketing.
She is also a member of ‘Clonmel Town’ where she’s played football for the last two years and also is a member of Clonmel Toastmasters.
Meanwhile, Miss Tipperary South Marie Maunsell (23), also from Clonmel, is a third year Psychiatric Nursing student at University College Cork, and works as a Healthcare Assistant. Outside of healthcare and studies she enjoys fitness, running and challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone.
Erin and Marie are among an inspiring line-up of young women from across the country competing for one of Ireland’s most prestigious titles, with the chance to wear the coveted Miss Ireland crown and represent her country on the world stage in a competition that celebrates confidence, ambition, individuality and achievement televised in over 100 countries.
The Miss Ireland 2026 Grand Final will be held on Saturday, 21 November, at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, where Miss Ireland 2026 will be crowned by reigning titleholder, Caoimhe Kenny, who represented Ireland for five weeks in Vietnam earlier this year.
But behind the glamour, “Miss Ireland is about so much more than a crown”, say organisers.
“The competition celebrates ambition, confidence, leadership and community spirit, challenging finalists to showcase their talents and abilities across debating, public speaking, sport, modelling, social media and performance.
“Each finalist will also raise vital awareness and funds for charity while developing valuable life skills, confidence and lasting friendships. This year, Miss Ireland is proud to support Ronald McDonald House, helping families stay close to their seriously ill children during hospital treatment.”
Since its beginnings in 1947, Miss Ireland has helped launch the careers of some of the country's most recognisable personalities and inspiring women, including former Miss World Rosanna Davison and former Miss Irelands Pamela Flood, Holly Carpenter, Rebecca Maguire, Lauren McDonagh, Aoife O'Sullivan, Amanda Brunker, Pamela Uba, Aoife Walsh, Michelle Rocca and Olivia Tracy, among many others.
In recent years, the organisation has raised more than €400,000 for charitable causes, supporting organisations including LauraLynn, Temple Street Children's Hospital, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta, The CARI Foundation and The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and in 2026, Ronald McDonald House is the chosen charity partner.
The winner of Miss Ireland 2026 will receive an exciting range of prizes, including an agency contract, alongside the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Miss World Festival in Tanzania in 2027, an international event televised in more than 100 countries worldwide.