Toni Sheilds to represent Co Antrim in Miss NI final

LOCAL pride will take centre stage this November as Toni Sheilds prepares to fly the flag for County Antrim at the glittering Miss Ireland 2026 Grand Final, taking place on Saturday, 21 November, at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.

Toni from Suffolk Road, Belfast is a qualified teacher and PhD researcher at Ulster University. Alongside her academic work, she runs her own tutoring business, supporting children to build confidence and achieve their potential. "

“Growing up in West Belfast has shaped who I am and the woman I aspire to be. As the first person in my family to attend university, I understand how opportunity, support and belief can shape someone’s future. My background has taught me resilience, ambition and the importance of giving back to my community,” she said. “I am a qualified teacher, model, and PhD researcher at Ulster University, researching barriers to physical activity among low-income families. Through my Beauty with a Purpose project, I’m delivering a free tutoring program for children in West Belfast preparing for the Transfer Test, helping reduce financial barriers to education and build confidence.” Toni is among an inspiring line-up of young women from across the country competing for one of Ireland’s most prestigious titles, with the chance to wear the coveted Miss Ireland crown and represent her country on the world stage in a competition that celebrates confidence, ambition, individuality and achievement. But behind the glamour, Miss Ireland is about so much more than a crown. The competition celebrates ambition, confidence, leadership and community spirit, challenging finalists to showcase their talents and abilities across debating, public speaking, sport, modelling, social media and performance. Each finalist will also raise vital awareness and funds for charity while developing valuable life skills, confidence and lasting friendships. This year, Miss Ireland is proud to support Ronald McDonald House, helping families stay close to their seriously ill children during hospital treatment. Since its beginnings in 1947, Miss Ireland has helped launch the careers of some of the country's most recognisable personalities and inspiring women, including former Miss World Rosanna Davison and former Miss Irelands Pamela Flood, Holly Carpenter, Rebecca Maguire, Lauren McDonagh, Aoife O'Sullivan, Amanda Brunker, Pamela Uba, Aoife Walsh, Michelle Rocca and Olivia Tracy, among many others. Miss Ireland's official app is powered by Choicely, the international technology company behind fan engagement and voting platforms for some of the world's biggest entertainment brands, including Love Island, the Eurovision Song Contest, Miss Universe and The Grammys. The innovative platform brings fans closer to the action, offering an exciting and interactive way to support their favourite contestants. The winner of Miss Ireland 2026 will receive an exciting range of prizes, including an agency contract, alongside the extraordinary opportunity to represent Ireland at the Miss World Festival in Tanzania in 2027, an international event televised in more than 100 countries worldwide. With the countdown officially underway, the stage is set for another exciting chapter in the Miss Ireland story as a new generation of talented, ambitious and inspiring young women prepares to make its mark.