Donegal woman Grainne Gallanagh had an excited team of supporters to share her joy with after winning the Miss Universe Ireland final. 

The Buncrana nurse (23) cried many happy tears last night after judges selected her to become Ireland’s Miss Universe pageant representative for 2018.

Grainne walked away with a stunning emerald crown and €40,000 worth of prizes. Her mum Patricia, sisters, friends and boyfriend Ryan Coleman were there to cheer her on through the many rounds of competition and to celebrate following her triumph.

 

Patricia Gallanagh congratulates her daughter Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh Picture: Brian McEvoy

 

“I am absolutely still in a state of shock!,” Grainne told her Instagram followers the morning after the final.

“I cannot believe I am Miss Universe Ireland 2018. This has been the most incredible experience of my life and I am absolutely thrilled.”

With many thanks to friends, family and mentors – pageant director Brittany Mason and former winner Cailin Ní Toibín, Grainne added: “I am so proud to be your Miss Universe Ireland and standing up for women’s health issues in this country. I will work extremely hard in the coming months in the lead up to Miss Universe – I’m going to Thailand.”

Grainne will go on to serve as a goodwill Ambassador of Ireland and compete in the international final of Miss Universe 2018 in Thailand this December.

See all the pictures from the event below:

The Gallanagh Family and friends from Buncrana in Donegal celebrate as Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh was crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2018 at the Mansion House, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Ryan Coleman congratulates his girlfriend Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh who was crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2018 Picture: Brian McEvoy

Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh Picture: Brian McEvoy

Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh (Left) is crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2018 by Miss Universe Ireland 2017 Cailin Aine Ni Toibin. Picture: Brian McEvoy

MUI Managing Director Brittany Mason with Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh who was crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2018 at the Mansion House, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Ryan Coleman congratulates his girlfriend Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Miss Universe Ireland 2017 Cailin Aine Ni Toibin (left) with Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh (Right) who was crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2018 at the Mansion House, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy

The Top 5 Finalists: Miss Universe Donegal Grainne Gallanagh who was crowned winner of Miss Universe Ireland 2018 (Centre) with runners-up at the Mansion House, Dublin. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Miss Donegal Grainne Gallanagh is crowned Miss Universe Ireland!