A Galway-born teenager could be on her way to the big time in the beauty world after she was crowned Miss Universe Ireland at a glittering ceremony in Dublin over the weekend.

Eighteen-year-old Aadya Srivastava was born in Headford and while she and her family have lived across the Mayo border in Cross for the past three years, she is in her second year at University of Galway – and she’s a familiar face in her native village, working behind the counter at Monaghan’s Centra.

Speaking after her coronation, a delighted Aadya said she really wasn’t expecting it all because, she said, ‘all of the girls here had such amazing and inspirational stories’.

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

Aadya is in her second year at University of Galway studying Law, Politics and Economics – and through this she hopes to pursue a career in International Human Rights Law.

Despite her gentle demeanour, Aadya has a powerful work ethic – excelling in her Law exams as well as holding down a job which she loves, at Monaghan’s Centra.

Caption: Miss Universe Ireland Aadya Srivastava.

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