Overview

• The Laois winner is a 20-year-old apprentice electrician from Ballyouskill on the Laois–Kilkenny border.
• She described feeling shocked at the announcement and said she hopes to inspire women to do whatever they want to do.
• She is reported to be the first Rose from County Laois to take the title.
• The crowning capped a two-night RTÉ broadcast from MTU’s Kerry Sports Academy, announced by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas to global audiences.
• Judges Clare Kambamettu, Nuala Carey, Don O’Neill and Aisling Murphy selected the festival’s 65th winner, who receives a year’s use of a new car, hotel and hair benefits in Tralee, and a €25,000 travel bursary.