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NASA data scientist wins Miss Universe Ireland

NASA data scientist wins Miss Universe Ireland

A NASA data scientist has been crowned Miss Universe Ireland 2019.

The Dubliner, Fionnghuala O'Reilly, is living in Dublin while working remotely for the space programme.

She was one of 28 finalists battling it out for the title at a ceremony in the Mansion House last night.

She walked away with more than €70,000 worth of prizes which includes a year’s supply of hair and make-up treatments as well as all-expenses-paid trips to New York, Miami and South Korea.

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Afterwards, she said: "I remember when I Watched Miss Universe for the very first time when I was a little girl and I saw the last two contestants who became Miss Univers Ireland, Gráinne Gallanagh and then Cailín before her, , and they did an absolutely fantastic job.

"It was really motivating to see those women up there."

Miss Universe Ireland 2018 winner, Gráinne Gallanagh presented her 2019 successor with the Miss Universe Ireland crown and sash last night alongside Managing Director, Brittany Mason.

Ms Mason said: "This year has been a fantastic one for Miss Universe Ireland and I couldn’t be prouder of all of these strong, independent and beautiful women.

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"Fionnghuala will be a wonderful ambassador for Ireland in the Miss Universe competition and I cannot wait to see what she will achieve. We’ll be behind her every step of the way."

Friends congratulate Miss Universe Ireland 2019 winner Fionnghuala O Reilly (right) at last night's ceremony in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy

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