Miss Ireland Pamela Uba: I grew up in Direct Provision, I've worked for everything I have

Pamela Uba has faced a long road to becoming Miss Ireland. She chats about working on the frontlines, growing up in direct provision, and how the competition has evolved

Miss Galway Pamela Uba was crowned Miss Ireland 2021 at The Lakeside Manor Hotel in Virginia, Co Cavan two weeks ago. 

The past few days have been "different" for Pamela Uba, as she tries to settle into her new role as Miss Ireland. The 25-year-old is still floating above the clouds since being chosen from nearly 300 applicants to represent the nation at this year's Miss World competition. The rain poured down as she was crowned by former representatives during an outdoor ceremony last Sunday, but the former Miss Galway was too overwhelmed to notice.

"It was an absolute dream come true. That's what I was feeling in that moment. I was like 'I've dreamt of this. I didn't think it would happen but it has.'," she says over the phone with a giggle.