A JUNIOR doctor representing Limerick has been crowned the 2019 International Rose of Tralee.
Sinéad Flanagan, who is 27, put her hand to her head when the result was announced in The Dome in Tralee on Tuesday.
After qualifying as a physiotherapist from the University of Limerick, she went on to study medicine at University College Cork, graduating in 2018.
In 2017, she spent a month volunteering in Ghana at The Methodist Faith Healing Hospital in Ankaase, describing it as "an incredible experience".
Having grown up in Mungret, she now lives in Adare in Co Limerick.
During the competition she revealed she was a big hurling fan and enjoyed her county's recent success, however she also acknowledged her household's support for Roscommon football, as her dad hails from the county.
Speaking after being crowned the 61st winner of the competition, the new Rose of Tralee said the experience had been "amazing", adding that it was "just starting".
"I think you can tell by me I'm a bit shocked alright," she told host Dáithí Ó Sé.
Speaking backstage, she said: "It's Limerick's year. We've had the All-Ireland, the league, the Munster final and now the Rose of Tralee. And Love Island. Yes, I forgot about Greg )O'Shea, Love Island winner) of course. We were in school together."
When asked how she felt when The Rose of Tralee was played for her, she replied: "I couldn't believe that it was being played for me. I've always loved the Rose of Tralee - especially that song."
