THE Rose of Tralee is known for bringing together Irish communities around the world, but it’s also delivered a few surprises along the way.
The festival has a rich history and has attracted a few familiar faces over the years.
From 1959 to the present day, the Rose of Tralee has had a whopping 12 different presenters, including broadcasting legends Terry Wogan and Uncle Gaybo aka Gay Byrne.
But did you know that in 1991 British TV presenter and former Wales international gymnast, Gabby Logan represented Leeds in the international festival.
This week RTÉ has released archive footage of a young Gabby taking part in the festival.
Scroll down to watch Gabby's Rose of Tralee interview
Gabby Logan is now a successful TV presenter (Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)An 18-year-old Leeds A-Level student at the time, Gabby tells Gay why her career as an international rhythmic gymnast ended recently.
"After I came home for the Commonwealth Games, which really excited me, I wanted to go to the Olympics, but I got sciatica in my spine," she says. "Basically I couldn't walk, I couldn't move very easily.
"It meant a long time out of the sport which inevitably lead to me having to give it up.
"I miss competing, I'm very competitive and very determined," she adds.
She goes on to tell Gay that she plans to study Law and Politics at Durham University.
But when the host asks what she will do then Gabby jokes: "I want to go into television. I want your job.
"I would like to present. I would like to be a television presenter ultimately," adds the daughter of former Welsh international footballer and manger Terry Yorath.
For her party piece, Gabby then recited the poem Albert and The Lion by Marriott Edgar.
Though she didn't take home the Kerry crown - the 1991 Rose of Tralee was won by Cork Rose Denise Murphy - Gabby did go on the become the queen of TV.
Watch out Gaybo.
What Gabby's Rose of Tralee debut here...
You can see the full interview by clicking here
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