The 2023 Rose of Tralee has said winning the competition was a dream she never thought would become a reality.
Róisín Wiley became the fifth New York Rose to take the title in Co Kerry on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old is a VP of national sales at a consumer marketing company and currently lives in Manhattan.
Her parents, Eddie and Majella, were born and raised in Templeglantine and Kilmallock in Co Limerick.
The couple emigrated to the US in their 20s and settled in Westchester, New York.
Róisín Wiley from New York has won the Rose of Tralee 2023 👑 pic.twitter.com/qLvDIfhgJF
— Josh Crosbie (@JoshCrosbie3) August 22, 2023
Róisín told Newstalk Breakfast family is very important to her.
"My extended family still lives here in Ireland, so I'm very, very close to my Irish roots," she said.
"I have grown up in New York and currently live there as well.
"The New York Rose selection felt like such an amazing win in my life, and to think now I'm sitting here wearing the Rose of Tralee sash is unbelievable.
"It was a dream but I never really thought that would become a reality and it's amazing now to feel like it is."
Róisín Wiley talking to Rose of Tralee co-host Kathryn Thomas. Picture: Twitter/@RoseofTralee_/Domnick Walsh PhotographyAsked about her plans for the year ahead, Róisín said she is taking it hour by hour.
"The beauty of this process so far is I haven't really looked more than a day ahead.
"I'm just excited now to see the opportunities that come up and the different things I get to experience and the people I get to meet.
"I'm just ready and excited now for the year," she added.
A total of 32 contestants from communities across Ireland and around the world took part in the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
The Big Apple is celebrating in the Kingdom as Róisín Wiley from New York has been named the Rose of Tralee.
Hear from the New York team and those out enjoying the festival on @NewstalkFM @NTBreakfast @PatKennyNT. #roseoftralee pic.twitter.com/Jqefhg2x4z— Josh Crosbie (@JoshCrosbie3) August 23, 2023
