Headford law student takes Miss Universe Ireland crown

HEADFORD woman Aadya Srivastava battled off stiff competition from across the country to be crowned the 2025 Miss Universe Ireland.

The 18-year-old University of Galway student fought off the challenges of fellow finalists, Dubliners Natalia Gradzka and Maksuda Akhter, to take home the title during a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Dublin last Saturday night. She will go on to represent Ireland at the much anticipated 74th Miss Universe Finals.

“This win is so special to me, and I really wasn’t expecting it at all because all the girls here had such amazing and inspirational stories,” stated a jubilant Aadya shortly after her victory.

“As a proud Irish woman of Indian heritage, I waant the opportunity to amplify the voices of diversity and resilience and be an advocate for justice and compassion.”

Aadya is in her second year at the University of Galway, where she is studying Law, Politics and Economics. Through this she hopes to pursue a career in international human rights law.

Despite her gentle demeanour, Aadya has a powerful work ethic, allowing her to excel in her Law exams while also holding down a job, which she loves, at Monaghan’s Centra in Headford.

Aadya’s next event will be the 74th Miss Universe Competition, which takes place in Thailand on November 24. It will feature 100 women from around the globe, all vying for the title of Miss Universe.

The winner is selected via their personal statements, in-depth interviews, plus their evening gown and swimwear. The evening will culminate with the 73rd Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark, crowning her successor.

Aadya is following in the footsteps of previous Miss Universe Ireland winners Roz Purcell, Joana Copper, Dancing with the Stars alum Aishah Akorede and 2024 winner Sofia Labus.