Married, divorced & trans women now eligible to apply for Miss Universe Ireland

For the first time in its 73-year history, Miss Universe is now accepting applications from married, divorced, mothers or transgender women and there’s no upper age limit or height requirement.

In what will be a milestone for the competition marriage status, gender, age and height will no longer be barriers to entering.

While the rules around marital status were announced previously, this is the first year they will be fully implemented.

Contestants from over 90 countries compete each year for the title of Miss Universe.

24-year-old Aishah Akorede, from Leixlip in Co Kildare, represented Ireland in El Salvador last year.

This year's Miss Universe Ireland will be crowned in June, with the closing date for applications on February 29th at 5pm.

The 73rd Miss Universe Competition takes place in Mexico in November.

Applications can be made here