Clódagh Linton, a 22-year-old Irish language childcare worker from West Belfast, won the Miss Diamond Ireland 2026 title. She works at Teach Mhamo on the Glen Road.

Linton entered the competition at the last minute. The finals took place at the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown. She will travel to the USA next summer to compete in the Global Icon pageant.

Linton described the pageant as a platform for girls. She plans to use her title to promote the Irish language. The competition helped boost her confidence, she said.

Linton has ADHD and identifies as creative rather than academic. She prepared for the event over one week despite recent mental health challenges. She has limited prior experience in pageants.