On Monday night, the Europa Hotel in Belfast was hosting the Miss NI Gala Final 2022. This year’s winner is the nursing student Daria Gapska, who has been chosen among 24 ladies competing for the crown. 

Miss World 2022, Karolina Bielawska from Poland, was among the judges of this year’s edition contest.

https://twitter.com/sophiemclaugh1/status/1528872498913087489?s=20&t=20ncxkrlHdy8vdqzH3ZNvg

The victorious 20-year-old Daria Gapska originates from Ballymena and is – as her name suggests – of Polish descent. 

https://twitter.com/SPCBallymena/status/1529015680724516864?s=20&t=KAhXBjtRqd0zmy3jYgdeBQ

It is not the first title won by the young woman. She had already been elected Miss Top Model 2022 in Nu Delhi. 

In Belfast, she became Anna Leitch’s successor and hopes to become the 71st Miss World pageant. Last year, Northern Ireland’s representative finished in 6th position. 

Saint Patrick’s College, Ballymena, congratulated Daria with a warm tweet: “Congratulations to past pupil Daria Gapska who was crowned Miss NI at the Europa Hotel last night. Daria who is studying Nursing at Queen’s will represent N. Ireland at the 71st Miss World pageant. Another famous past pupil! Well done, Daria!” – we read on the school’s Twitter page.  

Image: Brendan Gallagher Photography

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen