Sofia Labus (21) from Cork Crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2024 Sofia Labus (21) from Montenotti in Cork studying Criminology in UCC who was crowned Miss Universe Ireland last night at a glittering ceremony at The Fairways Hotel Dundalk. Sofia was born in Ireland and her parents are from Serbia. Picture Brian McEvoy No Repro fee for one use(Image: Brian McEvoy)

Cork student Sofia Labus crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2024

The 21-year-old will now go on to represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City this November

22 Sep 2024, 18:02 by Thomas Lawrance, Ruairi Scott Byrne · Irish Mirror

A University College Cork student has been crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2024 after beating out 26 other finalists to the coveted title at a glittering pageant on Friday night.

Sofia Labus, from Montenotte in Cork city, has her own nail technician business - and is hoping to become a human trafficking criminal investigator through her studies at UCC, Cork Beo report.

Current title holder Aishah Akorede crowned Sofia the winner at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, Co Louth, on Friday, with the 21-year-old now set to represent Ireland at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City in November.

The UCC student will be one of 90 women competing for the top prize at the annual event as she follows in the footsteps of previous Miss Universe Ireland winners such as Roz Purcell and Joanna Cooper.

Should she win, Sofia said she intends to campaign for the voices of women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations."

Outgoing Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede with Sofia Labus (21) from Montenotte in Cork studying Criminology in UCC who was crowned Miss Universe Ireland last night at a glittering ceremony at The Fairways Hotel Dundalk(Image: Brian McEvoy)

Sofia was born in Ireland and her parents are from Serbia, and the Cork native has described her mother as "a strong-willed woman who taught her that perseverance and courage could conquer any challenge."

Sofia currently holds a level 5 qualification in Psychology and Social Studies and hopes that her degree will enable her to improve her educational rights for those seeking a better life abroad.

Remarking on her huge win this weekend on social media, Sofia said: "Hello everyone, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has messaged me, congratulated me, supported me over the months. It truly means the world to me.

"I am overwhelmed by the love and support. I cannot reply to every comment but I want you to know I am eternally grateful for each and every one."

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