London Rose Gráinne Hawkes was left shocked when her grandmother was presented with a sash and deemed an honorary Rose during the live show.
The 26-year-old law firm associate explained to Dáithí how her gran, the lovely Nora Hawkes, would be the perfect fit to become the 58th Rose.
"I've been lucky enough that I've met 56 exceptional people," Gráinne told Dáithí.
"But if there was room for a 58th Rose, it would be my 98-year-old grandmother, Nora Hawkes. She is exceptional," she added.
Dáithí then surprised Gráinne by sending the show's backstage reporter James Patrice down into the audience to present her gran with a very special sash.
He said: "Because she is here in the Dome tonight we are going to make her an Honorary Rose," he said.
Honourary Rose, 98 year old Nora Hawkes, grandmother of the London Rose, Gráinne receives her tiara and sash from @jamespatrice.#RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/f0o9RMh17M
— RTE One (@RTEOne) August 21, 2018
Gráinne's beaming gran couldn't hide her excitement, and quipped: "I'm shocked by this."
#londonrose easy enough to make your granny proud on stage being a Rose, having her inducted has topped us all! Always reminds me of our #northcarolinarose- such a beautiful tune, amazing Rose! #roseoftralee
— Maggie McEldowney (@2016RoseMaggie) August 21, 2018
