OFFALY Rose Jennifer Byrne has been crowned the new Rose of Tralee.
The 24-year-old junior doctor from Clonaderig said she was "in shock" after winning the annual contest, now in its 58th year.
Speaking to host Dáithí Ó Sé, she said: "Everyone here is absolutely remarkable and it's an absolute honour to represent this bunch of girls."
Down Rose Orlagh McNally (23), from Saval outside Newry, had been one of bookies' favourites to win.
The last time a northerner won the title was back in 1979.
The Rose of Tralee pageant is aired live on RTÉ and is one of the broadcaster's biggest shows.
Highlights from this year's contest included Donegal Rose Amy Callaghan donning her county jersey and performing aerobatics on a hoop suspended above the stage to the music of Clannad.
And Sinead McGahern, the Western Canada Rose, caused a stir online after suggesting Ireland is part of the UK.
Explaining how many relations she had on this side of the Atlantic, she said: "23 first cousins in the UK. Three are currently in England and the other 20 here are in Ireland."
Westmeath Rose Eva Cooney brought a handmade puppet of Mr Ó Sé onto the stage, while Fermanagh Rose Stephanie Maguire jived with country music star Derek Ryan.
A total of 32 young women were selected to take part in the televised shows, with 18 Roses taking part on Monday night and the remaining 14 on Tuesday.
They included Roses representing counties Armagh, Fermanagh and Down.
Dáithí Ó Sé is the eleventh host of the pageant, and follows other high-profile presenters including Gay Byrne, Mike Murphy and Ryan Tubridy.
In 2008, Mr Ó Sé married 2008 New Jersey Rose, Rita Talty, and they now have a three-year-old Micheal Og.
