A NEW queen was crowned this past Saturday as a proud Limerick woman took home to the Treaty the top title at the 2026 Miss Universe Ireland competition.
22-year-old model Aideen Howard, from Castletroy, was named Miss Universe Ireland at a glittering competition and ceremony at the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin, where she was passed the crown from outgoing Miss Universe Ireland, 19-year-old Aadya Srivastava from Galway.
And Limerick was well represented at Saturday’s pageant, with not one, not two, but three Treaty women vying for the crown.
Alongside winner Aideen, University of Limerick criminal law students Natalia Rybakowska, of Adare, and recent biochemistry graduate Leah Marie Sheehan, from Annacotty, were also waving the green and white at the Bonnington Hotel.
And it was double success for Limerick on the night, with 23-year-old Leah named as the first runner-up. The two shared a touching moment on the Miss Universe Ireland stage as Aideen was announced as this year’s winner.
Speaking after her big win, Aideen thanked all who have supported her and said she wanted to use her new platform to inspire and lift up others.
“My dream is to one day create my own business and build a career that I genuinely enjoy and am proud of. A huge motivation for me is to be able to give back to my parents and make them proud of everything they have done for me,” she said.
“Above all, I want to be someone young people can look up to as proof that confidence and self-belief can grow over time. I believe even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference, and I hope to always be someone who uplifts and empowers others.
“For me, Miss Universe Ireland is about far more than 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 born Bostonian, who moved to Limerick with her family when she was 12 years old, said that “my family and friends have always been my biggest support system, and I have also always had a huge love for animals. Supporting vulnerable children and young people is a cause close to my heart. I understand how important kindness, encouragement, and a sense of belonging can be. I hope to use my voice and experiences to encourage more compassion, inclusion, and support for young people who may be going through difficult circumstances.”
Currently studying French and marketing, Aideen is one of four siblings.
Following her big weekend win, Aideen will go on to represent Ireland at the 75th Miss Universe competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this November. She will join contestants from more than 100 countries as reigning Miss Universe Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico will crown her successor.
She now follows in the footsteps of previous Miss Universe Ireland crown wearers, including Roz Purcell, Joana Copper, Dancing with the Stars alum Aishah Akorede, and Sofia Labus.