Grace crowned Cavan Rose for 2024

Shercock girl Grace Farrelly has been crowned the 2024 Cavan Rose.

The 19-year-old English and Sociology student was the pick of the bunch at the Cavan Rose Selection Convention in the Hotel Kilmore in Cavan last night. She takes over the sash from Knockbride's Tara Rogers, a near neighbour.

WATCH THE MOMENT GRACE IS ANNOUNCED AS WINNER

Grace is one of the youngest ever Cavan Roses and emerged victorious after a gruelling day of interviews and photo shoots, culminating with the on-stage segment of the show.

She is the daughter of Teresa and Padraig Farrelly, the latter a well known Cavan referee. Grace was sponsored by Gray's Quarries.

Her hobbies include singing, playing the piano, reading and going to the gym and she works part-time as a cleaner at Cavan General Hospital.

An Arts student in Maynooth, studying English and Sociology, Grace aspires to become a secondary school teacher when she finishes her studies.

Grace will go forward to represent Cavan in The Rose of Tralee Festival selection takes place in August in Kerry with Dáithí Ó Sé expected to return to the Dome to present the event live on TV.

Last night's even was organised by the Cavan Rose Centre, co-ordinated by sisters Laura and Sineád Galligan - Laura herself the Cavan Rose from 2014.

The chair of last night's judging panel was Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP and Rose of Tralee from 2014.

For more interviews, reaction and photos, see Wednesday's print edition of the Celt!