Athlone’s Miss Ireland finalist “over the moon” after selection

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone's Miaya Brill is over the moon after her selection as a finalist at the 2025 Miss Ireland Competition.

The 20-year-old is the daughter of Tanya Brill and step-father Abraham Keskin, and went to secondary school in Our Lady's Bower.

She is currently studying Adult Nursing at Ulster University, where she is in her second year of her Undergraduate Degree.

"I always knew what Miss Ireland was, and I was really inspired by what they stand for," Miaya said, sharing that she had seen older cousins go through the competition, and always felt drawn to entering herself.

"They give everyone a voice to advocate for what's really important to them. That's what matters to me most, it's not just about physical beauty, but what you can give back."

Miaya was working a twelve-hour shift on clinical placement, and had just gotten out of a surgery, when she got the news that she was selected as a Miss Ireland finalist.

"I was jumping up and down with joy in the changing room. The first thing I had to do was call my Mum," she said, noting that her Mum and her step-father have always been two of her biggest supporters.

"Mum probably is my biggest inspiration, she's a very generous, hard working, kind person. And I like to think she passed those traits on to me. Dad is my biggest supporter, if I want to do something, he's so excited that his little girl is gonna do it. He definitely pushes me to do my best in everything."

As part of her Miss Ireland entry, Miaya will be participating in the Longford Marathon to raise funds for Brain Tumour Ireland in memory of her late aunt Aisling Brill, who passed away last year after a battle with glioblastoma.

"It's a charity that my family hold really close to our hearts. My aunt was so full of life. She was full of joy, happiness, and positively.

"I'm putting most of my effort and my time into that because it's such an amazing charity, not only for research, but it gives so much support to all the families that are going through such a horrible time after getting their diagnosis."

To keep up to date with her journey with Miss Ireland, search @MiayaBrill on TikTok or @ItsMiayaBrill on Instagram.

To support Miaya's fundraising efforts, go to: https://shorturl.at/uyn8f