Waterford Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher was honoured with a Mayoral reception in the City last night.
Over 100 people were in attendance for the event, which was her official homecoming.
Gardai are investigating an alleged incident of racial abuse involving Kirsten in a Kilkenny take away last month.
She said she didn't think the incident had anything to do with being a Rose. She says she has accepted that not everybody is that nice, but
she will not let it bring her down.
She says that other people often find it more shocking than she does.
Kirsten says she doesnt like to dwell on the issue.
Waterford Mayor Declan Doocey strongly condemned the alleged incident.
As part of her prize, Kirsten has been given a new Kia car, which she collected from Sheridan's garage on the Cork Road in Waterford yesterday.
Kirsten told WLR that she now has to learn how to drive.
