23-year-old Cailín Áine Ní Toibín from Cork wins Miss Universe Ireland title at glitzy pageant

Miss Cork Cailin Aine Ni Toibin who was crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2017. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Independent.ie Newsdesk  September 1 2017 7:55 AM

Cailín Áine Ní Toibín is the newly crowned Miss Universe Ireland.

The 23-year-old model and sales associate with Brown Thomas from Cork took home the title at Thursday night's newly revamped Miss Universe Ireland pageant, taking the crown from Joanna Cooper, who was given the title in 2015.

Miss Cork Cailin Aine Ni Toibin who was crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2017. Picture: Brian McEvoy28

There was no Irish representative in 2016, but new franchise owner Brittany Mason, a former Miss Indiana now living in Dublin, said she has high hopes for this year's entrant, who will represent Ireland at the Miss Universe pageant on November 24.

"We have to have a representative every year, it's so important. Not only is she representing the people that are living on the Emerald Isle, she's also representing the Irish spirit that lives within 45 million people around the world," she told Miriam O'Callaghan earlier this month.

Ní Toibín is no stranger to pageants - she was runner up at the Miss Cork pageant in 2015 and has been busy working on her experience with Lockdown Models. She was joined last night by her parents Sonya and Julian and grandmother Anne, previously revealing they have been her biggest cheerleaders.

"My parents are my number one fans at the moment. They are hugely supportive. My grandmother even lights candles for me. Representing my country on an international stage would be a dream come true," she told the Evening Echo.

Kelly Horrigan and Miss Cork Cailin Aine Ni Toibin who was crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2017. Picture: Brian McEvoy28

Last night's event was a throwback to Ireland's glitzy pageant days of the past with a 200-person showcase at the Round Room at Dublin's Mansion House. Top model Kelly Horrigan came runner up.

Model siblings Rob and Roz Lipsett were in the audience, as well as Missy Keating and model Kerri Nicole Blanc.

For all the pictures of the event, see out gallery below:

Cailin Aine Ni Toibin from Cork after she was announced winner at the final of Miss Universe Ireland 2017, pictured with Brittany Mason (right)

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