Broadcaster Gabby Logan has told Miriam O'Callaghan on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday with Miriam that she has "brilliant memories" of representing Leeds in the Rose of Tralee in 1991.
The former gymnast was on the show to discuss her new book, The Midpoint Plan, but the interview began with a trip back in time.
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"Do you mind me bringing you back to 1991?" asked the host.
"The Rose of Tralee - it's a huge festival here. We noticed that you were the Leeds Rose that year. You were interviewed by Gay Byrne and you told him back then you wanted to work in television - and you wanted his job!"
"I know!" laughed Leeds-born Logan. "The audaciousness of it!"
"I have enormously fond and brilliant memories of that crazy 10 days where I was the Leeds Rose in Ireland for the grand final of the Rose of Tralee," she continued.
Logan said she "completely entered in the Leeds Rose for a favour for my friend's dad who always sponsored a girl every year".
"Never thinking I'd win it and then suddenly finding myself thrust into that brilliant, mad 10 days as I say," she recalled.
"Every time I meet anybody around the world who's of either Irish descent or lived in Ireland and I mention the Rose of Tralee, there's 10% to 20% more warmth towards me."
This year's Rose of Tralee International Festival takes place from Friday, 16 August to Tuesday, 20 August.
The Midpoint Plan: Taking charge of your health, habits and happiness to thrive in midlife and beyond is published by Piatkus.
Sunday with Miriam, RTÉ Radio 1, 10am
