Ballincollig woman to represent Cork at Miss Universe Ireland final 

A young woman from Ballincollig is to represent Cork at the final of Miss Universe Ireland 2024 on Friday.

Patricia Toth, 24, who speaks four languages and has a BA in world languages and an MA in applied linguistics from UCC, is one of 27 finalists from all over Ireland who will compete for the Miss Universe Ireland crown.

“Growing up as an immigrant and experiencing first-language attrition is what prompted me to do my MA, in order to research this phenomenon and give voice to other former child migrants growing up in Ireland, so that we can use these experiences to improve the future for children growing up in Ireland with a first language other than English or Irish,” Ms Toth said.

Current title holder Aishah Akorede will crown the winner at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, Co Louth, on Friday. The winner will then represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City in November.

Contestants from 90 countries compete each year for the title of Miss Universe.