Derry Rose Eimear Cassidy will set off this Friday on her journey south to Co Kerry to represent the Oak Leaf county in the highly prestigious Rose of Tralee.
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The 26-year-old will be among 65 “Roses” competing for the coveted title.
Eiméar, from Newbridge, said she was “very nervous but excited.”
She said: “It has been all go over the past few weeks, but last week I visited RTÉ studios in Dublin and that was very exciting. It’s all getting very real now.
“I am very nervous but I am also very excited. I can’t wait to get on the road and meet the other roses. I have met a few roses at rose events and we all get on really well.
“This is a once in a life time opportunity and it is one that intend to enjoy. I am just so honoured that I have been chosen to represent Derry and I hope I make my county proud.”
Eiméár also thanked her family, friends and local community for all their support over the past few months.
She said: “I really could not have done this without the support from everyone- my family, friends my local community have been fantastic.
“I have been completely blown away by how kind and supportive the local business have been. I can only express my sincere gratitude.”
There is a strong Derry connection at this year’s event Chicago Rose, Maggie McEldowney, Kentucky Rose Morgan Loy and Philadelphia Rose, Brigid Gallagher, all have family links to the county.
The format for this year’s festival has changed to allow every “Rose” to travel to Tralee to enjoy the event
However, they will take part in qualifying selections in the Dome on either August 17 and 18. Eiméar will then find out on Sunday, August 21 if she will be appearing on the television section which takes place on Monday and Tuesday, August 22 and 23.
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