A 25-year-old Dallas, Texas native, Haley O’Sullivan, who plays gaelic football with her team in Dallas, has been crowned the 2013 Rose of Tralee beating out 31 other contestants.

After winning the title a tearful O'Sullivan who is also a young leader in the American Ireland Fund said: "Everyone was so fabulous, I can't believe this is happening.”

The bio of the winning rose reads;

“My name is Haley O’Sullivan, I am 25 years old, and live in Dallas Texas, fondly referred to as the Big D. I couldn’t be happier to be representing Texas in this year’s Rose of Tralee!

"I graduated from The University of Arizona in 2010 with an honors degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for one year I moved to my current position as a marketing coordinator for an industrial chemical company.

"Fitness is a passion of mine. I love setting goals and constantly challenging myself. My first major challenge was completing the Dallas half marathon. I now do Crossfit, a mix of weight lifting, gymnastics, and endurance style exercises. I love the variety!

"I am a member of Dallas’ GAA club, Fionn Mac Cumhaills where I play midfield on the ladies football team. I also serve as a young leader in The American Ireland Fund and participate in fundraising for Catholic Charities.

"My grandfather was raised on Bere Island off the coast of County Cork, while my grandmother’s parents were from Cork and Longford. My family and I traveled to Bere Island in January of this year and I am so excited to be traveling back to Ireland so soon!"