Derry finalist champions women’s health ahead of Miss Universe showcase
Derry nurse Eileen Coyle lends her voice to a global movement backing clinical trials for early detection tests.
Registered nurse, business owner, and passionate advocate for mental well-being and women’s health Eileen Coyle has officially been announced as a national finalist for the Miss Universe Ireland 2026 competition.
Supported by premium tanning brand Bellamianta, the 32-year-old Derry City native is aiming to shatter traditional pageant boundaries and make history as the first woman over the age of 30 to be crowned Miss Universe Ireland.
The star-studded launch of this year's competition took place on June 9 at the iconic Bewley's on Grafton Street in Dublin. Miss Universe Ireland boasts 25 stunning finalists, from whom the ultimate candidate representing Ireland at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico this November will be chosen.
The highly anticipated grand final will take place tomorrow, June 20, at the Bonnington Hotel, Dublin.
Eileen enters this year's competition following a major personal milestone: the official launch of her new business venture, Clay Aesthetic Clinic, which opened its doors after a full year of intensive planning.
Balancing her clinical responsibilities with entrepreneurship, Coyle possesses an extensive academic background, holding dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Studies with Accounting and Adult Nursing. She is currently preparing to advance her medical qualifications further by undertaking a Master’s degree in Independent Prescribing next year.
Reflecting on her return to the national stage after competing in the pageant last year, Eileen stated: *"I’m honoured to return as a finalist for Miss Universe Ireland 2026; grateful, focused, and ready.
“Miss Universe Ireland has been my ultimate goal for the past two years and a dream I have worked towards for many years. The experience of last year’s competition challenged me to work harder and grow into a stronger, more confident candidate, ready to represent our country.
“I aspire to make history as the first woman over 30 to be crowned Miss Universe Ireland. I have found that as I grow older, I am becoming more authentic and more certain of my purpose. I want to encourage others to do the same and to recognise that we are not defined by a single path, but by our many passions, talents, and ambitions we choose to pursue."
Beyond her business and pageant goals, Eileen is utilising the high-profile platform to champion critical medical causes. She has been named as an official advocate for the ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ global movement, an initiative spearheaded by The Camilla and Marc Foundation.
The campaign aims to break down the societal stigma surrounding gynaecological health, spark open public conversations, and raise vital awareness for crucial medical research - including the development of the world’s first DNA-based early detection test for ovarian cancer as it advances into clinical trials.
Through her participation in Miss Universe Ireland, Eileen intends to drive the growth and visibility of the national organisation while continuing her purposeful, intentional advocacy for public health and women’s empowerment across Ireland.