*Miss Clare, Emma Austin. Photograph: Brian McEvoy

Emma Austin from Shannon will be among the 33 finalists taking to the stage this weekend in the Miss Ireland Final.

For the first time in over five years, there is a Miss Clare with twenty year old Emma glad to have won the crown in July. A social care student at Limerick Institute of Technology, she will be taking to the stage at The Helix on Saturday attempting to secure the title of Miss Ireland and a place in the Miss World competition.

Travel is the theme of the 72nd running of Miss Ireland. Beauty blogger Suzanne Jackson, Mr Ireland Wayne Walsh, stylist Sonja Malich and ex Miss Ireland Rebecca Maguire are this year’s judges.

Ahead of the final, Emma said what she was hoping to achieve as Miss Clare. “I am passionate about traditional Irish music and have been playing the flute for nearly 10 years. For the past three years I have also been a volunteer, working alongside some amazing charities around Munster.

“I want to use my platform as Miss Clare to work with local charities along with trying to promote the importance of volunteering and giving something back to your local community.”