Former Ballyshannon student crowned Miss Galaxy Ireland

Former Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon student Rachel Foley from Kinlough has been crowned Miss Galaxy Ireland 2024.

She competed in the Miss Galaxy Pageant held in the Beechlawn Hotel Belfast on Sunday April 14 and will now be representing Ireland in the Miss Galaxy International pageant in Orlando, Florida this August.

The 24 year-old currently works as a health and safety officer.

She is an ambassador and fundraiser for Aware, a mental health charity and recently completed her mental health first aid and suicide prevention course.

And not only did she win the title, but she was top in every division winning best in interview, best in swim, best in fashion, best in evening wear and also people's choice.

She will continue to work with her pageant coach Anouska black and personal trainer EMCD Fitness in the lead up to internationals. 

Reacting to her win she said: “I am absolutely in shock and over the moon.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported me, wished me well, voted for me for people's choice, tolerated my millions of posts and stories a day.

"To Anouska my pageant coach, Shesfabdresses for my amazing evening gown, all my pageant family for helping me every step of the way and to the directors of Ireland galaxy pageants for making it all possible, and to the judges who picked me to be your queen of course.

"This is just the start of my reign, and now to practice and prepare for Internationals,” said Rachel.

Rachel will also be working alongside The Railway Gym in Lifford to get into the best shape.

Her first outing as Miss Galaxy Ireland will be at The Bear Run 74  start line which is on May 4 at 9am in Ebrington Square in Derry.