*Lyane Casey. Photograph: Brian McEvoy
TWO CLARE women will be vying to be crowned Miss Ireland.
Kilmaley’s Lyane Casey (23) and Saoirse Keniry (19) from Ennis will be among the finalists for the Miss Ireland 2026 Grand Final which takes place on Saturday November 21st at The Fairways Hotel in Dundalk.
Lyane is Miss Clare while Saoirse is Miss Ennis. Now celebrating its 78th year, the prestigious competition will bring together finalists from across Ireland for an evening of glamour, entertainment and excitement as the search for the next Miss Ireland reaches its glittering finale.
Ivanna McMahon from Barefield was crowned Miss Ireland in 2022.
A fund accountant, Lyane’s ultimate career ambition is to become an Investment Banker, a role where she can combine her love for analytical strategy, financial markets, and high stakes problem solving.
Saoirse is currently studying Forensic and Pharmaceutical Science. She is passionate about using her platform to inspire young people to embrace their individuality, build confidence and believe in their potential.
Finalists are challenged to showcase their talents and abilities across debating, public speaking, sport, modelling, social media and performance. Each finalist will also raise vital awareness and funds for charity while developing valuable life skills, confidence and lasting friendships. This year, Miss Ireland is proud to support Ronald McDonald House, helping families stay close to their seriously ill children during hospital treatment.
Since its beginnings in 1947, Miss Ireland has helped launch the careers of some of the country’s most recognisable personalities and inspiring women, including former Miss World Rosanna Davison and former Miss Irelands Pamela Flood, Holly Carpenter, Rebecca Maguire, Lauren McDonagh, Aoife O’Sullivan, Amanda Brunker, Pamela Uba, Aoife Walsh, Michelle Rocca and Olivia Tracy, among many others.
In recent years, the organisation has raised more than €400,000 for charitable causes, supporting organisations including LauraLynn, Temple Street Children’s Hospital, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta, The CARI Foundation and The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and in 2026 Ronald McDonald House is the chosen charity partner.
The winner of Miss Ireland 2026 will receive an exciting range of prizes, including an agency contract, alongside the extraordinary opportunity to represent Ireland at the Miss World Festival in Tanzania in 2027, an international event televised in more than 100 countries worldwide.
