Locals across Laois have been wishing the best of luck to Rathdowney woman who will participate in the Miss Ireland 2025 Final this Saturday.

Robin Farrell (21) from Rathdowney will represent Laois in the 2025 Miss Ireland Final coming up on June 14 at The Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath.

The Leinster Express/Laois Live spoke to Ms Farrell on her Miss Ireland experience so far.

"I'm 20 years old and I'm studying general science in Maynooth University, I'm currently in my second year," Ms Farrell explained.

"It's a very challenging course, in first year you are really thrown into the deep end, it pushes you beyond your limits," she said.

Pictured: Miss Laois Robin Farrell, who will take part in the Miss Ireland Final 2025

After university, Ms Farrell hopes to work in the area of cancer research.

"I would love to try make a difference in that area, everyone has someone who has had it," she explained.

Currently working in Lisduff Adventure Farm, Robin said that people are often surprised that she isn't studying childcare.

"I used to work in Dublin Vetinary, I'm working in Lisduff now. Everyone has been so supportive, they're all reaching out and cheering me on. I love the creche work, people are often surprised that I'm studying science while working with children, they always assume I'm studying childcare," she said.

Ms Farrell describes her Miss Ireland experience so far as extremely rewarding.

"What made me decide to apply was that I just decided to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to challenge the limits I had set for myself, and to use my voice to make a difference," she said.

Pictured: Robin Farrell

"I want to empower young women, and to show them that the days of having to fit a certain mold are long gone, you can just be yourself and that's more than enough."

The Errill woman has been raising funds for two causes particularly close to her heart; Parkinson's Ireland and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

"I'm loving this whole experience so far, the girls are all so nice. No one is tearing each other down, we are all growing together."

Ms Farrell first applied in March of 2024, and has gone through many rounds of interviews and Zoom calls since. There is a touching meaning behind her chosen sponsor.

"I chose to ask Newbridge Silverware to be my sponsors, it was where my grandparents worked and met," she said.

"My grandfather worked there for over 56 years, and met my grandmother working there. My Mam worked there for a few years too, so there's a lot of meaning behind this sponsorship, it means a lot to me," she said.

The skill that Robin will display in the talent section of the night is particularly unique: Ms Farrell holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Taekwondo, and will lead a demonstration.

"I have been practicing taekwondo since the age of five, I first started it in the weekly classes held in Scoil Bhríde Rathdowney," Ms Farrell explained.

"I think it's a very important skill to have, I have my six year old niece starting it too. It has helped me with my confidence, it's all about stepping into that zone."

 

Robin praised her family, friends and the local community for their fantastic support on her Miss Ireland journey.

"Mam has been so helpful with everything, between helping me practice for my interviews and just being so supportive. Dad has been brilliant, he's been driving us up and down to Dublin. As a man, he has no real idea of the details, but he's so proud and telling everyone," she laughed.

"My sister Christine has been so good to me too, and people in work are so good. Even people I meet out and about are so lovely, asking what they can do to help. They're all so interested in the competition, a lot of them don't know much about it," she said.

Between dress rehearsals and photo shoots, a lot of the month of May will be spent preparing for the final night on June 14.

"I think if people are ever debating doing something like this, they should do it," she said.

"No matter what age you are, if you want it, go for it. Chase your dreams and stand out for what you stand for. Don't be afraid to jump in and go for it," Ms Farrell finished.

Since 1947, the Miss Ireland pageant has celebrated intelligence, ambition, and cultural pride, evolving into a platform that champions female leadership and philanthropy.

This year’s competitors will join a legacy of inspiring role models 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, Olivia Tracy, current Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt and many more.

 In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €350,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The finalists of Miss Ireland are put through their paces in a challenging competitive process testing their skills in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist will be tasked with raising much-needed awareness and funds for their chosen charities. 

Each finalist will advance to the national event for a chance to claim the Miss Ireland crown.

The 77th crowned Miss Ireland will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes and will then have a chance to jet off to represent Ireland next year on an international stage at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world.

Best of luck to Laois woman Robin Farrell in the Miss Ireland Final on June 14!

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