The Waterford Rose for the 2018 'Rose of Tralee' Festival has been named.
20-year-old Kirsten Maté Maher from Bigwood in Mullinavat was selected from of a group of 17 girls at a special event in the Tower Hotel in Waterford City last night.
Kirsten told WLR News about the moment she was announced as the Waterford representative for the world-famous festival.
"I was so shocked that I ran to the back of the stage with the Roses and I put my head down. I said 'Oh my God, it's not me!" she said. "Then suddenly I had this new bracelet on, new earrings, a new sash and I was at the front of the stage in tears!"
"I couldn't believe it. I still can't!"
Kirsten says she's looking forward to the chance to travel thanks to her new role.
"I took two years out of school and I worked away. I traveled to Thailand last month, I was only back about a week and a half before my selection!"
"Now I have some travel done, I'd like to do more which I'm going to get to do with the Rose," she says. "I get to see the rest of Ireland, meet all these amazing Roses, which is an experience you can't pay for. I hope I can do everyone proud."
Meanwhile the Waterford Rose Centre wish to express their gratitude to all of the girls part in last night's event.
