An Irish woman working in construction has been crowned Miss Galaxy International.
Rachel Foley travelled from Wicklow to the Bahamas earlier this month to represent Ireland at the Galaxy International finals.
On Sunday, that journey ended with the 26-year-old being crowned Miss Galaxy International 2026.
She is the first Irish woman to take home the Miss Galaxy title, and it is the first international ‘Miss’ title win for Ireland since Rosanna Davison was crowned Miss World in 2003.
“Winning this title is incredibly special to me, not only personally but because I am so proud to bring an international Galaxy crown home to Ireland,” Ms Foley said.
“To travel all the way to the Bahamas, stand on the international stage alongside women all around the world and then hearing ‘Ireland – Emerald Isle’ get announced as the winner was a moment I will never forget.”
Rachel Foley works as a Health and Safety Officer in the construction industry
Ms Foley explained she got involved in pageantry “because as a young girl I always liked the male stereotypical hobbies – I loved construction, I loved cars – and I really need that confidence boost in something that was a bit more feminine”.
Breaking down barriers
Outside of pageantry, Ms Foley works in the construction industry as a Health and Safety Officer – describing her life as “a mixture of hard hat and high heels”.
“A huge part of my platform has focused on representing and encouraging women working in traditionally male-dominated industries,” she said.
“Breaking into a male-dominated industry like construction definitely has its challenges.
“When you’re a woman walking onto a construction site it can sometimes feel you have to prove yourself a little bit more.
“But I never wanted being a woman to be something that held me back.”
Rachel Foley says women ‘don’t have to fit in one box’
Ms Foley said she wants to use her platform to get other women to break down barriers.
“I love showing that you don’t have to fit in one box – I can wear my hard hat and my high-vis to work and then put on a gown and compete in pageants on an international stage,” she said.
“I want to continue using my voice and my platform to encourage women as young girls not to limit themselves because of the stereotypes.”