Limerick rose Sinead Flanagan has won Rose of Tralee 2019, making her the 60th winner of the festival.
The 27-year-old junior doctor was seen placing her head in her hands as the crowd erupted to the news of her win.
When asked how she felt, she told host Dáithí Ó Sé, “I think you can tell by me I’m a bit shocked alright!”.
Last years International Rose, Kirsten Mate Maher was on hand to pass on her former crown, while Sinead’s family and friends looked on with delight from the audience.
Congratulations to the 2019 #RoseofTralee, Limerick Rose, Sinéad Flanagan! pic.twitter.com/ndC6inK7gL
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) August 27, 2019
Speaking backstage in her first press conference as Rose of Tralee, Sinead exclaimed: “It’s Limerick’s year.
“We’ve had the All-Ireland, the league, the Munster final and now the Rose of Tralee.” she added.
She also went on to say that she ‘couldn’t believe’ that the famous Rose of Tralee song was playing for her as she accepted her crown, stating that she has always loved the festival.
It seems that this win has been a long-time dream of Sinead’s, as she says that this year was the first time she didn’t cry when the winner was crowned.