10-Year-Old Zara McKee Crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland, Fundraises for Air Ambulance

The young pageant winner from Portadown, Northern Ireland, sets her sights on the Global Icon pageant in the US.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:11am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting a young girl in a pageant dress surrounded by blurred shapes and lights that capture the mood and energy of the pageant world.A young pageant winner's dreams of global stardom are fueled by her personal connection to a local charity.Los Angeles Today

Zara McKee, a 10-year-old from Portadown, Northern Ireland, has been crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland 2026 after a journey in pageantry that began at age 7. Zara and her family are now fundraising to support her trip to the Global Icon pageant in the US in 2027, with proceeds going to the Air Ambulance NI charity that Zara has a personal connection to.

Why it matters

Zara's story is an inspiring example of a young person pursuing their dreams and using their platform to give back to the community. Her success in pageantry and dedication to the Air Ambulance charity highlight the positive impact that determined individuals can have, especially at a young age.

The details

Zara joined the Diamond family pageant organization in 2024, where she was crowned Junior Diamond Ireland. She then traveled to Wigan to compete for the EU title, becoming a Diamond Ambassador. In 2025, she returned to compete for the Diamond UK title. Her most recent triumph came in March 2026 when she was crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland. Zara's family, including her parents Joanne Donaldson and Stephen McKee, are actively fundraising to support her journey to the Global Icon pageant in the US, which will take place in either Las Vegas or Los Angeles in 2027. The funds raised will also go towards the Air Ambulance NI charity, which Zara has a personal connection to after her grandparents were involved in a serious car accident in 2019.

  • Zara joined the Diamond family pageant organization in 2024.
  • Zara was crowned Junior Diamond Ireland in 2024.
  • Zara traveled to Wigan to compete for the EU title in 2024, becoming a Diamond Ambassador.
  • Zara returned to compete for the Diamond UK title in 2025.
  • Zara was crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland 2026 in March 2026.

The players

Zara McKee

A 10-year-old girl from Portadown, Northern Ireland, who has been crowned Junior Miss Diamond Ireland 2026 and is fundraising to compete in the Global Icon pageant in the US in 2027.

Joanne Donaldson

Zara's mother, who is actively involved in fundraising efforts to support Zara's journey to the Global Icon pageant.

Stephen McKee

Zara's father, who is also actively involved in fundraising efforts to support Zara's journey to the Global Icon pageant.

Air Ambulance NI

A charity that provides rapid response and lifesaving care, which Zara has a personal connection to after her grandparents were involved in a serious car accident.

Diamond family

The pageant organization that Zara has been a part of since 2024, where she has won several titles.

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What’s next

Zara and her family will continue their fundraising efforts to support her trip to the Global Icon pageant in the US in 2027, with the goal of raising as much money as possible for the Air Ambulance NI charity.

The takeaway

Zara McKee's story is a heartwarming example of how a determined young person can pursue their dreams and use their platform to make a positive impact on their community. Her success in pageantry and her commitment to the Air Ambulance charity inspire others to never give up and to use their talents to make a difference.