Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin a physics graduate from Carnacon in County Mayo is the new Rose of Tralee.
Seven year old Alison Buckley was the first person to get the 47th Rose of Tralee's autograph this morning. The long wait was worth it when Aoibinn Ní Shuilleabháin from Carnacon in County Mayo walked out through her hotel’s doors to sign the book for a clearly delighted Alison.
I'm going to keep it somewhere safe with all my other books.
Later the twenty two year old theoretical physics graduate surprised readers in Kerry County Library when she dropped in to sign a copy of the Irish Independent newspaper for the library's Rose of Tralee Archive. Kerry County Librarian Kathleen Browne also showed Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin the library’s Rose of Tralee exhibition,
She loved the story, the history, to see all the roses back over the years.
The Mayo Rose, who is also a sean-nós singer, was the bookies’ favourite in this year’s competition. She is still getting used to her new title,
It's still a bit surreal but I'm delighted, it's just amazing.
It was smiles all round today after another successful Rose of Tralee event. CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the festival Anthony O’Gara, says the future is looking bright,
We will not only see a 50th Rose, I think we will see a 75th Rose.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 24 August 2005. The reporter is Jennie O’Sullivan.
