IN PICTURES: Meath Rose Elysha Brennan is crowned the 2015 Rose of Tralee
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IN PICTURES: Meath Rose Elysha Brennan is crowned the 2015 Rose of Tralee

A 22-year-old medical student from Co. Meath has been crowned this year's Rose of Tralee.

A shocked and teary Elysha Brennan described her win as the highest of highs after she received her sash and crown from out-going Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh.

The win is all the more special for the young woman who, while battling cancer in 2013, had put taking part in the Rose of Tralee on a bucket list of things to do.

She created the list - which also included visiting the Statue of Liberty and Greek island hopping - after being diagnosed with cancer just before repeating her Leaving Certificate.

"On the bucket list was the Rose of Tralee, but to become a Rose was my Rose of Tralee," she said last night after being serenaded by singer Daniel O' Donnell on stage in the Dome.

"This has just surpassed any dreams or hopes or aspirations I had. It's beeen the best experience of my life."

She added: "I suppose I've experience the lowest of lows in life and this is just the highest of highs.

"I know it's a cliché but the friendship is what I'm taking from this. The Roses are the most spectacular women and we've had the most amazing adventure together."

The second year medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons Dublin overcame Hodgin's Lymphoma two years ago and has since volunteered for the Irish Cancer Society.

Her father Donal described his daughter as an angel, while mum Christine was stunned when Elysha's name was called out.

"She is a remarkable girl, we're so proud of her," dad Donal said.

Mum Christine added: "I was absolutely shocked and stunned, every girl that came on stage...they were all amazing.

"I thought I wouldn't want to be a judge. When they called her name I was shaking, but I'm delighted."

RTÉ host Dáithí Ó Sé announced the result live from Co. Kerry in front of nearly one million TV viewers worldwide and an audience of 2,000 people in the Festival Dome in Tralee.

Originally from Bettystown, Elysha is the first Meath Rose to reach the televised stage of the International Festival.

She is also a fan of musical theatre and has a passion for all things song and dance, having taken part in Dublin Olympia Theatre Christmas pantomimes and a Michael Jackson tribute show.

In addition to being crowned the 2015 Rose of Tralee, Elysha also won a collection of Newbridge jewellery and homeware, a €25,000 world travel prize and a year’s driving in a new Kia car.

Meanwhile Tralee architect Shane Kenny was named the 2015 Rose of Tralee Escort of the Year.

The 23-year-old, who plays football from local club Churchill GAA, was the escort to the Galway, Louth and Meath Roses.

Britain was presented in this year's festival by London Rose Aisling Hillary and Scotland Rose Bríd Madigan.

Scroll down for pictures of a shocked Elysha Brennan being crowned this year's Rose of Tralee

Domnick Walsh   www.dwalshphoto.ie The 22-year-old medical student is shocked when her name is called out

Domnick Walsh   www.dwalshphoto.ie Meath Rose Elysha Brennan is congratulated by her follow Roses

Domnick Walsh   www.dwalshphoto.ie A shocked but delighted Rose of Tralee

Meath Elysha Brennan the 2015 Rose of Tralee pictured on stage with Daithi O'Se during the Live Rose of Tralee TV show held in the Dome.  Photo By : Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD ©  Tralee Co Kerry Ireland Phone   Mobile 087 / 2672033L/Line 066 71 22 981  E/mail - info@dwalshphoto.ie        www.dwalshphoto.com Elysha Brennan, the 2015 Rose of Tralee, on stage with Dáithí O'Sé.