Mayo's Shona crowned first runner-up at Miss Universe Ireland

MISS Universe Mayo, Shona Tuohy from Breaffy, Castlebar, was crowned first runner-up at the star-studded Miss Universe Ireland final in the Mansion House, Dublin, last night (Thursday).

For Shona, one of 38 contestants short-listed for the final, this was a remarkable achievement to be chosen as first runner-up in the contest.

Dubliner and NASA analyst Fionnghuala O’Reilly (25) was crowned the 2019 Miss Universe Ireland.

The glamorous event was hosted by social media star James Patrice and director of Miss Universe Brittany Mason.

Shona is daughter of Mayo County Board vice-chairman Seamus and his wife Marie.

Speaking after the final, she said: “I am really delighted to have been crowned as the first runner-up in this prestigious contest. Of course it would have been great to have come first but to come second overall out of 38 contestants is really brilliant.

“I really am a very proud Mayo person to have done the county proud.

“I would like to congratulate Fionnghuala (O'Reilly) on winning Miss Universe Ireland and wish her lots of luck as she now represents the country in the world event. I would also like to thank all who supported me on this journey and to the many who wished me luck in the final.”

Primary school teacher Shona was one of three Mayo girls in the final, along with makeup artist Karen McShea from Swinford and piano teacher Kaylyn McGrath, Ballina.