Rose of Tralee 2015 makes it a first for Royal County

The 22-year-old was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma weeks before her repeat Leaving Cert and has been in remition for the past two years.

“I’m in such good company and I hope to do the Rose of Tralee proud”.

The blossoming rose was crowned last night at the second of two live shows at the Dome in Fels Point, Tralee.

Meanwhile, she lost out in the event as the Meath Rose, Elysha Brennan, claimed the title.

It wouldn’t be the Rose of Tralee if there wasn’t at least a little awkwardness and poor Galway Rose Olga Lee had to deal with being given the cold shoulder by the normally affable host Daithi Ó’Sé.

The Rose of Tralee is annually the most watched program on Irish television as 32 women from all over the world compete. The Rose, and one lucky companion, will also enjoy a week-long adventure break in Kerry and will have complimentary hair and make-up for the year, courtesy of The Powder Room Girls.

“I suppose I’ve experienced the lowest of lows and this is just the highest of highs”, Elysha said of her cancer battle.