Miss Ireland has title stripped over age row

Gorgeous Miss Mayo Maire, 25, was told yesterday she’s TOO OLD to represent the country at the Miss World finals in August.

She’ll be replaced at the finals in Inner Mongolia by runner-up Miss Wright Venue, Rebecca Maguire, 20.

Organisers believed Maire, who was born in Canada and now lives in Galway with her boyfriend, was 21 when entering the competition.

But they recently learned the brunette beauty is older — and therefore doesn’t fit the Miss World rule that says all contestants must be under 26 on August 1.

In a statement, Miss Ireland chiefs Brendan Scully and Sean Montague told how they’d no idea the part-time model was outside the strict age bracket for the competition.

They said: “Maire Hughes had a meeting with Miss Ireland organisers after the event on Sunday, April 29, to outline her duties and responsibilities as Miss Ireland.

“At the meeting it transpired Miss Hughes is 25 but would be 26 going to Inner Mongolia to represent Ireland. We immediately contacted Miss World officials to clarify the rules regarding the age of entrants and unfortunately Miss Hughes doesn’t meet the criteria.”

Bosses at Maire’s Galway-based management, Catwalk Model Agency, admitted they were “very disappointed” with the turn of events.

A statement read: “We acted in good faith throughout the process, we’re very disappointed with the way matters unfolded.”

But in a sensational development last night, sexy Maire claimed Miss Ireland organisers told her last week her age wouldn’t be an issue.

In a statement issued through her solicitors, But it was second time lucky for Belfast bombshell Rebecca, who was also Miss Ireland runner-up in 2011.

Speaking yesterday she said: “It’s just been crazy. It’s just such a shock but I’m absolutely delighted. I’m going to represent Ireland to the best of my ability.”

Maire didn’t return calls from the Irish Sun last night.

MORE exclusive pics with the new Miss Ireland in tomorrow’s Irish Sun.

helen.morrogh@the-sun.ie

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