Luxembourg Rose Wins Rose Of Tralee

26-year-old Nicola McEvoy, representing Luxembourg, was crowned Rose of Tralee 2012 at the annual festival in Co. Kerry last week.

Born and raised in Cork, Ms McEvoy is a teacher of history, science and geography at the European School of Luxembourg.

She moved there with her boyfriend of seven years, Eamon Dunne, from Blarney.

For six hours over two nights, the contest was carried live on television.

Ms McEvoy was interviewed by host Daithi O'Se on the first night of the context, introducing herself to him with three kisses, which are the traditional greeting in Luxembourg, she explained.

For her party piece, she sang "La Vie en Rose" for the audience.

She took home a range of prizes - including a €25,000 tour of the world during which she will represent Ireland and Tralee.

She also wins a Phillip Treacy designed tiara, a car, an adventure break in Kerry and some personalized Newbridge cutlery and jewellery.

"I'm sure there's a big crowd in the Black Stuff pub tonight in Luxembourg and there'll be a few sore heads tomorrow," she joked after collecting her prize.

"I never even imagined this would take place. I was going back to Luxembourg to get on with my life. Well, things have changed."

Although the Rose of Tralee is often dismissed as an old fashioned contest, there is no arguing with its popularity.

The TV final was watched by almost 900,000 people, and 80,000 streams were recorded on the RTE Player.

40,000 of those streams were from outside of Ireland.

The two night broadcasted featuring Roses doing everything from poetry recitals, bagpipe playing, Irish dancing, zumba and gymnastics.

There were even plans by the Ottawa Rose to teach host Daithi O'Se how to milk a cow live on stage, but the animal was considered "too lively" for the stunt to be carried out.

Congratulating the winner, host Daithi O'Se said she was deserving.

"I'm delighted for Nicola, she is such a lady and her warmth and kindness really shone through. She was shocked when her name was announced, which shows what a humble person she is. She will be a great ambassador for the Rose of Tralee."