Donegal woman Dearbhla Walsh stunned on the stage in the Miss Universe Ireland final this Thursday night.

Dearbhla Walsh. Photo VANESSA BARTLETT

The Kerrykeel woman missed out on winning the 2019 crown during the glamorous final show. However, she had already won many supporters in her pageant campaign this summer.

Dearbhla, aged 26, is a London-based quantity surveyor who is passionate about encouraging more women to enter the construction sector.

The former Miss Earth Northern Ireland title holder was one of 28 contestants who bravely took to the stage tonight to compete for the role of Ireland’s ambassador for 2019.

She competed as Miss Universe Donegal, doing the county proud with her ambitions and winning smile.

Reigning ‘Queen GG’ Grainne Gallanagh from Buncrana has enjoyed a whirlwind year of modelling and advocacy as Miss Universe Ireland 2018.

This year’s finalists took part in pre-show photoshoots and interviews before the live final, which includes swimwear and eveningwear catwalk rounds.

Dearbhla wowed in a gold Liliana Montoya bikini and cape before changing into an elegant sparkling silver gown. And she had a supportive team of family and friends in the audience to cheer her on every step of the way.

Dublin-based data analyst Fionnghuala O’Reilly (25), who works for Nasa, was crowned as Miss Universe Ireland 2019.