We catch up with newly crowned Miss Universe Ireland, from Cork: ‘Who you are as a person matters’

Newly-crowned Miss Universe Ireland, Cork criminology student Sofia Labus, enjoys the simple pleasures in life.

“I love nothing better than walking my dog, Zara,” says the 21-year-old, who lives in Montenotte and whose parents hail from Serbia.

“I’m not really the go-out type of person,” adds Sofia, who was recently crowned at a ceremony held at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk.

She is a down- to-earth Corkonian.

“My favourite things to do are to explore and walk Cork beaches and at weekends to have a wander around Marina Market.”

The glittering Miss Ireland event saw contestants participate in gowning and swimwear events and also featured a performance from Louis Walsh’s new boy band, Next In Line.

Cork was well represented. Patricia Toth, from Ballincollig, also competed in the pageant.

How did Sofia feel when she was announced the winner?

“It is very hard to describe the feeling,” she says.

“It was a really weird feeling. I was happy. I was surprised, and I got a sharp shock!”

Her parents must be very proud of her?

“Mum felt the same as me,” says Sofia. “She couldn’t believe it! Her reaction was the same as me. looking back, it was bitter-sweet.

“I was in school when I fell in love with the industry. Last year I was second runner-up in the competition.”

Sofia has a lot of similarities to her mum.

Mum is a strong-willed woman who taught me that perseverance and courage could conquer any challenge.

Sofia, with resilience and a strong will, wants to focus on social issues and homelessness after graduating from UCC.

“And I want to be a criminal investigator addressing the issue of human trafficking,” she says.

Does she like college life away from the spotlight?

“I love college life,” says Sofia, who is in her second year in UCC.

“Meeting new people is great and I find my course really interesting.

“When I was taking a break preparing for Miss Universe, the college was very good to me, keeping me updated on tutorials.”

Sofia works hard at her studies, and she works hard at representing her country to the best of her ability.

“I worked hard training ahead of Miss Universe,” she says.

“Interview prepping was a big part of the training and perfecting the ‘pageant walk’ was important.”

Her voice for change was important too.

“Speaking on social issues that affect people is really important to me. So, I was immersed in that project ahead of the competition.”

She didn’t mind being put on the spot and being the main focus of attention interviewed on stage?

“I felt what I had to say was inspiring; what I believe in. So no.”

Mexico in November for the Miss Universe finals will be another exciting project.

“I’m so excited at the prospect of traveling to Mexico,” says Sofia.

“It is a once in a lifetime chance. I know Mexico city has a high rate of crime and because of my studies in criminology I will be watching out and become aware of my surroundings.”

There are 27 representatives from Ireland competing and there are 130 representatives from 130 countries at the event on November 16.

Is there fierce competition among the girls behind the scenes?

“Not at all,” says Sophie. “Many people believe that the industry can be toxic but it’s not,” Sofia adds.

“Changing quickly out of different outfits back-stage, you might need zipping up. Straight away there are 10 people around you at your beck and call willing to oblige. There are no bad vibes.”

The competition isn’t fierce.

“It is perceived that we are all in competition with each other, but the only person you are in competition with is yourself,” says Sofia.

Competing in Miss Universe has been a very positive experience for me. I have made friends with the others, and I have learned a lot from them. We have a lot in common.

Sofia is part of a universal family.

“My Miss Universe Ireland sisters are my friends for life.”

She gets huge support from her family, friends, her college peers, and the general public too.

“The messages of support that I received has been overwhelming,” says Sofia.

“I want to thank my sponsor also, Blingalicious.”

Does Sofia spend a lot of time making sure she looks good for stepping onto the world stage?

“I only go the gym to feel better mentally,” she says.

“I am lucky to have a fast metabolism, so I don’t have to watch what I eat.”

It’s not all about image.

“Who you are as a person matters,” says Sofia.

She is a winner in that department.