Proud moment…Zara McKee is crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland 2026.
A schoolgirl from County Armagh is living her dream as she prepares to represent Ireland at the Global Icon competition in the United States.
Zara McKee, a pupil at Edenerry Primary School in Portadown, has been competing in pageants since the age of seven, when she took part in the Miss/Ms Inner Beauty Charity Pageant.
And now only 10 years old, he has come a long way in a short time, with success after success that shows he has a very bright future ahead.
Zara, from Killicomaine, is the daughter of Joanne Donaldson and Stephen McKee, and her family are proud of her achievements.
“I joined the Diamond family in 2024 and was crowned Junior Diamond Ireland,” Zara explained. After that I went to Wigan to compete for the EU qualifier.
“The following year, I came back to compete for the Diamond UK title. The competition was very strong and all the girls were amazing!
“But I didn’t give up. I came back again and this time I was crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland 2026 and now I’m going international to represent Ireland.”
The competition – following her victory at the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown at the end of March – will take Zara to the United States. Although it has not been confirmed, it will take place in Las Vegas or Los Angelas in 2027.
In order to participate, the family is actively raising money – to Zara USA and for charity!
Mum Joanne said: “She gets her place paid for but she has to raise money for a charity and we’ve chosen the Air Ambulance. She also has to fund things like her hair and make-up, tan, her hotel and flights, so we’re in the middle of raising a lot of money.”
Zara will be raising money to support both goals – her international trip and selected charities – throughout her time as Junior Miss Diamond Ireland.
The Air Ambulance is a cause “very close to my heart”, according to the Global Icon hope, and the family left heartbroken after the tragedy on the Northway in Portadown.
Zara knows only too well the value of supporting the Air NI Ambulance, which went to the scene of the accident that led to the loss of her father’s parents.
“My grandparents were both involved in a serious car accident and, sadly, my nanny was pronounced dead at the scene,” explains Zara. “My grandfather was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital but unfortunately he died a few days later.
“Because of this, I understand how important the Air Ambulance service is. Their quick response and life-saving care make the difference in the most critical times and I am proud to support them on my journey.”
Zara (front right) with other winners at the Diamond Ireland event.
A young woman with a smart head on her shoulders, and kindness and compassion in abundance, Zara wants to raise “as much as possible” for Air Ambulance and support the next step of her sports journey.
Looking excitedly to the future and all that lies ahead in the land of opportunity, Zara knows that nothing is impossible with the right mindset.
To that end, his words of advice to everyone are simple yet encouraging…
“Never give up on your dreams,” encourages Zara. Work hard, believe in yourself and everything will pay off.
Before 2027, the family is now seeking support from companies and businesses, who will also be featured on Zara’s Facebook page.
If you would like to support Zara in her fundraising efforts, as a company or as an individual, you can contact compaqmini@live.co.uk
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