Emma is Kildare's rep at Miss Universe Ireland!
Finalist Emma Gavin pictured at the launch party for Miss Universe Ireland 2026 at Bewley's Cafe in Grafton Street,Dublin. Picture Brian McEvoy
A 27-year-old former ballet dancer and opera singer has been named as this year’s Kildare representative for the final of the Miss Universe Ireland pageant.
Emma Gavin (27) from Maynooth is currently working in HR, but curiously this is not her first time in this pressured environment as 10 years ago she was crowned Miss Teen Ireland.
Emma and her 23 competitors were introduced to the nation at a launch party in the iconic Bewley’s Café Theatre on Grafton Street on 4 June, however she began her round of interviews this week (17 June) in preparation for the final on Saturday in the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin.
Emma was a ballet dancer for over 18 years and also sang classical Italian.
She has spoken at the Mansion House in Dublin to 250 people about mental health awareness, anti-bullying and suicide prevention, and has also modelled in Chicago fashion week.
"Through Miss Universe Ireland, I hope to encourage women to pursue their goals fearlessly and recognise their value regardless of the path they choose,” said Emma.
“I want to use this platform to promote positivity, ambition, and self-confidence while representing qualities that go beyond appearance — including compassion, authenticity, and determination." she said The winner will be crowned by current Miss Universe Ireland Aadya Srivastava (19) from Galway.
Miss Universe Ireland will follow in the footsteps of previous winners Roz Purcell, and Joana Copper.
