DONEGAL’S Layla Doherty has been crowned Miss Earth Ireland 2023 at the final which took place in the G Hotel last weekend.
Layla is now set to travel to Vietnam later in the year to represent Ireland in Miss Earth World.
Along with Miss World, Miss Universe and Miss International, it is one of the biggest International beauty pageants in the world and is now the most relevant beauty event with nearly 100 countries taking part.
Layla, who is a student from Ballyliffin, wowed the judges with her beauty, however her personality and passion for the environment is what really won them over.
Layla was absolutely thrilled when she was crowned Miss Earth Ireland 2023, but she was more thrilled her voice was heard and that something positive came from speaking on mica.
“I don’t even have words to describe this feeling but I am extremely delighted to bring the crown back home and I just hope that I’ve made everyone very proud.
“I am so excited to take to the world stage in November to represent Ireland at the world finals and I will be giving everything 150 per cent. I am so ready for this,” she said.
Layla’s house is destroyed from mica and she decided to use her platform to raise awareness of the situation in Donegal where many of the houses in her area are crumbling around them.
“They start to look like settling cracks and over time they deteriorate into massive holes in the walls and the blocks can only be described as Weetabix,” Layla said.
“At the minute, the Mica Action Group is trying to fight for a 100 per cent redress scheme because this wasn’t our fault and no one can afford the price of a new house.
“With the current scheme and the cost of living, families up here are still left having to pay thousands of euros to fix their crumbling homes.
“It’s a very frustrating and upsetting situation to be in,” she said.
Alan Murphy, Organiser of Miss Earth Ireland said the competition aims to build its reputation as the most relevant and worthwhile beauty event in the country, setting a legacy of beauty and responsibility.“We were overwhelmed with the contestants this year, however, Layla was definitely a clear winner.
“We cannot wait to work with her for the year and see her shine on the international stage in Vietnam,” he said.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)