Niamh Kennedy was crowned Miss Ireland 2016 last September. Since then, the 20-year-old beauty from Nenagh has been busy preparing for the Miss World 2016 pageant that will kick off in a few days.
She previously worked in the customer service industry and is a classically trained ballerina. For the past year, she worked closely with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Get to know more about this beauty!
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you?
I have struggled with shyness since I was a child. This then developed into insecurity in my teenage years. I had to work very hard to get past my insecurities and build self-confidence. As of late I have really ‘come out of my shell’ and now feel a lot more comfortable meeting new people and starting conversations. This is largely thanks to working in customer service roles the past couple of years.
How would you describe your country to your fellow contestants?
Gorgeous, Idyllic sea of green! A place with the warmest, most loving people. Our weather may not be great but we more than make-up for it with our friendliness.
Can you share your beauty secret?
Water! It seems very simple but keeping hydrated makes all the difference with your skin. A great base makes applying make-up a lot easier.
What are your current preparations for Miss World?
Keeping up with my gym routine and eating well to keep my health in check over the weeks before the final. Also keeping up to date with global current events. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Can you give us a preview of your Beauty with a Purpose project?
For the past year I have been working closely with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, a charity very close to my heart. Since my father, aunt and uncle passed away from Early-Onset Familial Alzheimer’s it has being incredibly important for me to raise awareness of the disease throughout Ireland and hopefully around the world.
Among the Miss World titleholders, who do you admire the most and why?
Every titleholder has been an incredible ambassador for the organization I find it hard to just choose one! Although, I have always admired Megan Young, Miss World 2013, as she held the title so gracefully, helping many throughout the world and has also pursued her passions of film and television work, something I have also had a great interest in.
In your opinion is it outdated to still have a swimsuit competition at beauty pageants?
I believe every woman should be proud of their body. This is how we were made. However, personally, I like not having it in the pageant. I feel it shows to young woman that what’s in our minds is more important than our appearance.
And finally a message to all of your fans out there.
Special thanks to the Miss Ireland organisation for the interview and photos.
