A NUI Galway graduate who is studying to become a language teacher has been crowned the 2022 Rose of Tralee.
Rachel Duffy (24) this week became the first ever Rose representing Westmeath to take the title.
The winner of the long-standing competition was announced on Tuesday night at Munster Technological University's Kerry Sports Academy in Tralee.
Ms Duffy graduated from NUI Galway with a BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies and Spanish last year. She is now looking forward to returning to university to complete her Master's degree to be a Spanish and English teacher.
The new Rose succeeds 2019's winner, Limerick Rose Dr Sinéad Flanagan.
From the small village of Rosemount, the new Rose of Tralee told host Dáithí Ó Sé that she was "just in total shock".
"We've had a great year in Westmeath this year between the Tailteann Cup, Fleadh Cheoil and now we have the Rose of Tralee," she said.
She added: "I would have loved for my mam to have been here, but she has the best seat in the house tonight, and I just want to say to my family that I hope I have made you proud and I love you so much."
The Rose of Tralee competition returned this year following a two year absence due to the Covis-19 pandemic.
Hailed a landmark year, the 2022 international festival introduced rule changes, welcoming transgender applicants, those who are married, as well as the age limit being increased to 29. However, organisers revealed no married or transgender women were in the festival.
