Miss Bikini finalists reflect on finals and gear up for round 2
Two Mullingar women who made it to the national finals of Miss Bikini Ireland 2025 say the experience was “incredible” – and both will now return to compete again this summer for a place at the international final in Cancún.
Kivar Reis and Shamini McDonnell were among the contestants who took to the stage in the glamour competition in May, and both say the experience was more than just a moment in the spotlight.
Kivar Reis placed in the top 15 and walked away with the title of Miss Congeniality Ireland 2025.
“The experience was so amazing and so different. I loved every second of it,” she said.
“The girls were so friendly and I had so much fun with everyone. It was like no other feeling I’ve ever had before – the excitement, the atmosphere, the experience. Everything was so fun.”
Kivar was sponsored by Pita Pit in Mullingar, who she says supported her diet and training goals throughout the process. “I got to run competitions and eat their food while still maintaining my prep, so I was really grateful for that.”
She’s already looking ahead to the next chapter.
For the first time, Miss Bikini Ireland will now be able to send two contestants to the world finals of Miss Swimsuit International 2026 – and former finalists have been invited back to compete again.
“We’ll be doing more workshops and going to events during the summer. I can’t wait to see everyone again and hopefully continue gaining more friendships and opportunities along the way.”
But for Kivar, the support from home meant just as much as the accolades.
“I had 14 of my close family and friends come to support me, and that was overwhelming in the best way. My little cousin and my god-daughter, who are both nine, made posters and cheered me on all night. My god-daughter even had a T-shirt made with my picture on it. I’m so grateful for the love I’ve received.”
For fellow finalist Shamini McDonnell, the finals marked a huge personal milestone. “I was so proud of myself,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe the confidence that vibrated through me once I got on that stage. I was a ball of nerves the whole day of the final, but it’s amazing what adrenaline can do to you! It was such a rush and felt amazing to put myself out there and strut my stuff.”
What really helped, she said, was the support of the girls, who hyped each other up and cheered each other on, helping to ease the nerves. In fact, both Mullingar girls became friends after meeting through the competition.
“My overall experience was such a ‘slay’ – the go-to phrase I picked up along the way,” she laughed. “It was incredible. I made so many new friends and achieved so many amazing opportunities.”
Now, like Kivar, she’s gearing up for the Miss Bikini Ireland Showcase, which launches this summer.
The winner of the showcase will join Miss Bikini Ireland 2025 winner Sofia Marrini to compete in Cancún, and the new format opens up even more chances for new and returning contestants.
“This is such an exciting opportunity,” said Shamini. “The showcase will now take place every year, sending two girls to Miss Swimsuit USA.”
Shamini also extended her congratulations to Sofia Marrini: “She is so beautiful inside and out. I can’t wait to get together with the girls again, and hopefully meet some new faces too.”
She thanked the organisers of Miss Bikini Ireland – Greg, Natalia and Paula – as well as her sponsors Allure by Chloe Crichton, Angel Art, and Rachel Penrose for keeping her camera-ready throughout her journey.