Elysha is rose of tralee

The Meath Rose, Elysha Brennan, is the 2015 International Rose of Tralee.

The 22-year old from Bettystown was named as winner at the Dome in Tralee last night.

Elysha, a medical student, was overcome as she was named the winner. It was the first time since Meath started entering a Rose in the competition a decade ago that the county's entrant got to the televised final stage.

'Meath didn't do too well in the football this year, beut we've done all right in the Rose,' she laughed.

Meath Rose co-ordinator Gordon Weldon was delighted with her great win and paid tribute to all who supported her on the journey, particularly Knightsbrook Hotel and Cllr Shane Cassells, who both provided sponsorship.

Elysha was last night whisked off to a 'Midnight Madness' parade in Tralee, where she was serenaded by Daniel O'Donnell.

I never thought I'd be serenaded by Daniel O'Donnell,' she said.

It was an emotional night as she met family and friends on the parade.

She hadn't thought about winning, so hadn't decided whether she would continue her medical studies or not, she said this morning, but would find it difficult to give both the attention they deserve. 'Watch this space,' she declared.

The Roses are going racing in Killarney today before a wind down gathering tonight.

VIDEO: See the video below, from RTE News, for the moment Elysha was announced the winner: