Keely O'Grady, who represented New Zealand in this year's international festival in Co Kerry, has been named the 2024 Rose of Tralee.

O'Grady, 21, bowled over when co-hosts Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas announced that she was this year's winner on live television on Tuesday night.

She takes over Rose duties from Róisín Wiley, the New York Rose who was crowned last year's winner.

"I can't really put it into words, there isn't really a word to describe it," a shocked O'Grady told Thomas on stage. "I'm shaking so much right now."

Thomas said O'Grady had been "such a trooper, great craic, and keeping everybody in good form" and that she'd be a great representative for New Zealand.

O'Grady said she is most looking forward to "doing this for my country." She is only the third Rose representing New Zealand to win the title, following in the footsteps of Mary Ann Murphy in 1988 and Laraine Stollery in 1966.

"As an International Rose and as someone from New Zealand - we've only had two New Zealand Roses, the last time was in 1988 - so it does really mean a lot to me tonight to be crowned as the Rose of Tralee."

O'Grady was the final Rose to be interviewed on Monday night, the first of two nights of live, televised interviews. 

Donning a green dress, she closed out the evening with a rousing Irish dance performance. 

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Rather than a beauty contest, the Rose of Tralee searches for a role model and ambassador to represent Irish culture around the world. Entrants must be at least 18 years old, be female or identify as female, and be Irish or have Irish ancestors.

This year, 32 women represented centers from all around the world, including seven in North America.

The 2024 Rose of Tralee, Keely O'Grady, in her own words:

Kia ora and Dia dhuit!

I’m a 21-year-old, fourth-year student at Canterbury University, studying a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy. I have recently completed a placement at a special needs school for children with autism. I hope to work in the healthcare or disability sector, helping children to communicate effectively.

I love New Zealand, where I was born and raised by my Irish father and Kiwi mother.

I live in Christchurch with seven of my best friends. I cherish a typical Kiwi lifestyle, enjoying beach trips, exploring the cities, and taking advantage of the outdoors, especially snowboarding, and road-tripping with friends. I dream of world travel, as there is so much to explore and learn.

Irish dancing has been my passion since I started at age five. I am a six-time NZ National Champion and attended the Dublin World Irish Dancing Championships as the TIDA Scholarship Recipient. My lifelong goal is to perform with a show and tour worldwide.

I draw inspiration from my family and friends who cheer me on in everything I do! I am passionate about advocating for people’s rights and aim to make a positive mark on people’s lives.

Related: Irish Dance