A JUNIOR doctor from Offaly has been crowned this year's Rose of Tralee.
Reigning Rose Maggie McEldowney, from Chicago, presented the coveted crown to 24-year-old Jennifer Byrne to rapturous applause in Co. Kerry.
"I'm in shock, I don't know what to say," she said. "It's an absolute honour. I can't believe it."
After a performance by former Westlife singer Shane Filan, 32 Roses joined host Dáithí Ó Sé on stage at the Dome in Tralee to find out who would be chosen as this year's winner.
But it was the NUI Galway graduate from Offaly who got the judges vote and was serenaded by Country singer Derek Ryan.
From Clonaderig, Jennifer went to primary school in Ballinahown and secondary school in Our Lady’s Bower in Athlone.
She is currently a junior doctor in the Accident and Emergency department of University College Hospital Galway.
A soccer and Gaelic football player from a very early age, she represented Ireland in soccer at U17 and U19 level and in the World University Games.
She currently plays with Galway WFC in the Women’s National league.
Four British Roses also took part in this year's International Festival, with both the London and Yorkshire Roses being interviewed for TV live on stage.
Representing Britain were Yorkshire Rose Aisling McArdle, Derby Rose Sarah Kelly, London Rose Caoimhe Gallagher and Newcastle/Gateshead Rose Laoise O’Shaughnessy.
A total of 64 Roses took part in this year's competition.
Thomas Lynch from Castleisland, Co. Kerry was announced as the 2017 Rose of Tralee Escort of the Year.
The business consultant topped the poll among Roses and Rose Escorts to be named this year's best escort.
Dáithí Ó Sé announced the result live on RTÉ One television last night in the Festival Dome - when round one of the televised interviews took place - and presented him with a cheque for €1,000.
