Laois Rose Grainne Hogan took to the Dome Stage last night and did the whole county proud as she wowed presenter Dáithí Ó Sé and the judges with her charming nature and natural good humour.
Speaking to Grainne today, the Killinure woman was still on cloud nine as she spoke about the night’s events.
“I was so nervous. I didn’t think I was nervous but I had butterflies in my belly. But once I got out there I was fine!” said Grainne.
“It was actually so fun. I had met Dáithí a couple of times before and there was no pressure there, everyone just made me feel so welcome.”
Her love for her family
The former Mountrath CS student glowed with pride on stage as she spoke about her mam Anne with pride, who raised Grainne and her brother Eoin on her own.
She did everything for us and you never heard her complaining. Every Christmas we had any present we wanted, and at school we always had the best clothes. She should be up here, not me.”
“My brother brought down loads of Camross and Laois flags and every time I looked down I focused on them,” she said.
Grainne also expressed great joy in talking about her granddad and her nana Sadie, who is visiting Tralee for the first time for the festival.
One of the biggest reactions of the night was when Grainne brought out for cow for milking.
“When I opened the doors to bring out the cow all I could hear is, ‘Oh my god!'” Grainne laughed.
“I know everyone says it but it’s actually so true – you feel like a part of a big family with everyone down here. The girls are all so nice and I’m just having so much fun,” she added.
Another 16 Roses will appear on television tomorrow night before the new Rose of Tralee is announced.
Best of luck Grainne and well done on everything you’ve achieved so far!
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