Carrick-on-Shannon’s Tomisin represents Leitrim in Miss Universe Ireland

As the Miss Universe Ireland final approaches on Friday, September 20th, Carrick-on-Shannon native Tomisin Fagbo says she is delighted to have made it to the finals proudly representing Leitrim.

“I’ve lived in Leitrim since I was 2-years-old,” says the 22 year old. ”It’s an honour to represent my county on such a prestigious stage.”

Her journey into the competition came through her work as a model in Dublin. "I’m signed with Not Another Agency International, and they encouraged me to apply. They sent in the application on my behalf, and after I submitted a self-tape, I had a one-on-one interview with the producer, Brendan O’Carroll. That’s when I was announced as the delegate for Leitrim," Fagbo explained.

Reflecting on her roots, Fagbo said, "Being from Leitrim is all about community. Growing up in Carrick-on-Shannon, you get to know everyone. We support each other and celebrate each other's successes. In a big city like Dublin, it's easy to feel anonymous, but in Leitrim, it’s different. That sense of closeness is something I carry with me."

Fagbo’s values are deeply tied to her Irish-Nigerian background. "My parents immigrated from Nigeria, and their story has always been a source of inspiration for me. Hard work was something that was ingrained in me from a young age," she said.

Education has always been a priority for Fagbo. "I went straight from Carrick-on-Shannon Community School to Maynooth University at 17. I studied Business Marketing and graduated with first-class honours. I’ve been working as a Marketing Consultant since then, but I’ve always balanced my career with my passion for modelling and community work."

In addition to her career, Fagbo is heavily involved in inclusion and diversity initiatives. "I work with Black and Irish, an initiative focused on highlighting Black success and Black culture in Ireland. We partner with organizations like RTÉ and Guinness to bring these stories to the forefront," she explained. Fagbo also touched on the recent unrest in Ireland, including the Dublin riots in November 2023. "There’s been a lot of tension around immigration and race, and it’s important to address these issues. Black and Irish is about making sure those conversations happen in the media."

Sustainability is another passion for Fagbo. "I’m really into thrifting. You’ll find me in the thrift shops in Dun Laoghaire, looking for deals. It’s something small, but it’s how I try to live more sustainably," she said.

When asked what winning Miss Universe Ireland would mean to her, Fagbo was clear: "Winning would be an incredible opportunity to represent Ireland’s diversity. I want to show the world that Ireland is a place of unity, compassion, and acceptance. Aishah Akorede, the current Miss Universe Ireland, has done an amazing job of highlighting that, and I’d love to follow in her footsteps."