Ireland's entrant to the Miss Universe competition made it all the way to the last 16 before being eliminated. The crown was ulitmately won by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, at the Las Vegas competition which was held on the night of November 26. Though Cork-native Cailin Tobin, 23, can immensely proud of her achievements in making it to the final round. The blue-eyed, blonde-haired beauty first entered the Miss Universe competition in Ireland in 2015 but finished as second runner-up. In August 2017, Toibin returned triumphant to the Miss Universe Ireland competition where she took home the crown.

This is what you need to know about Cailin Tobin:


Ireland's Miss Universe pageant organizer said Tobin was representing 45 million Irish people around the world

Brittany Mason, a regular on Ireland's TV3, former Miss Indiana and the national director of Miss Universe Ireland, told the Irish Independent when Tobin was crowned in August, "We have to have a representative every year, it's so important. Not only is she representing the people that are living on the Emerald Isle, she's also representing the Irish spirit that lives within 45 million people around the world." In winning the Miss Universe Ireland competition, Tobin bested model Kelly Horrigan. 

Read More: Irish performer Morrissey defends Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein


Her Grandmother in Cobh was lighting candles for her

Prior to the Las Vegas competition, Tobin told the Cork Evening Echo, "My parents are my number one fans at the moment. They are hugely supportive. My grandmother even lights candles for me. Representing my country on an international stage would be a dream come through for me." That profiles adds that Tobin is "passionate" about mental health and represents Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis center. Tobin said about it, "There is a person close to me who is affected so it really puts things into perspective. Mental health is something that needs to be spoken about, not just in Ireland but worldwide so Pieta House is my focus."

In addition, Tobin is a regular at a local dance studio in Cork as well as her local gym. Tobin has also modeled for Lockdown Models and worked luxury department store Brown Thomas. She is a graduate of Colaiste an Phiarsaigh in Glanmire, Cork, and is a fluent Irish speaker. At the time of her victory at the Miss Universe Ireland pageant, the Irish Sun snapped a photo of Toibin being congratulated by her brothers Jack and Ian at the show.


Twitter was convinced that Tobin is Reese Witherspoon's identical twin

I am beyond excited to finally reveal my National Costume for @missuniverse “Celtic Warrior Goddess” Inspired by one of Ireland’s most notable magical legends, Warrior Queen Medb (pronounced Maeve) Medb translates to “strong”. In Irish folklore, Medb was a Fairy Queen known for her intoxicating beauty and is known as the Goddess of war and feminism. Fiercely independent and protectress of women. This Celtic Warrior Queen brings us awareness of feminine power and passion.” Designed by @eamonnmcgilldesign & Anthony Carson This beautiful sketch is by @fromthesketch_up @cailin.tobin dazzled us on stage with the fantastic demonstration of Irish culture and beauty. We are so proud! ☘️?? #queencailin #missuniverse . . . #missuniverse #img #wme #queen #travel #missuniverseireland #irishmodel #model #girlpower #girlboss #bossbabes #moxie #empowerwomen #irishblogger #moxie #misscork #irishbeauty #missuniverse2017 #missuniverseireland2017 #missireland #vegas #lasvegas #missuniverse2017 #ireland #irish #IMGstars #MUOstars

A post shared by Cailín Áine Ní Toibín (@cailin.tobin) on

When host Steve Harvey announced that Tobin had made it to the last 16 in the Miss Universe pageant, Twitter users began speculating about Tobin's possible relation to Reese Wetherspoon. An article on Bustle remarked on Tobin's smile being similar to Witherspoon's, that's not to mention Tobin's jawline and heart-shaped face all being similar to the Oscar winner's. Some went beyond Witherspoon and just referred to Tobin as being similar to Witherspoon's iconic Legally Blonde character Elle Woods. Here are some of the best tweets:

Elle Woods is Miss Ireland?! pic.twitter.com/hu2Pb3gRVO

— TEE JXY (@mr_stickfigure) November 27, 2017

Reese Witherspoon what are you doing in #MisssUniverse #MissIreland ????

— Juan C Fernandez (@jcontad) November 27, 2017

Miss Ireland looks a lot like actress Reese Witherspoon

— HAN (@hannajeanss) November 27, 2017

Miss ireland IS REESE WHITERSPOON #MissUniverso2017 #MissUniverse #MissUniversoTNT

— Nicole Stankov (@NicoleStankov) November 27, 2017

Miss Ireland is like Reese Witherspoon #MissUniverse

— Rozie (@RozieCaparas) November 27, 2017

Read More: Reese Witherspoon shocked to discover she's Irish through Ancestry DNA tes

This article was submitted to the IrishCentral contributors network by a member of the global Irish community. To become an IrishCentral contributor click here.