Waterford Rose of Tralee is a 'gifted talker'

Upon taking to the stage at this year's Rose of Tralee festival in Kerry, it was evident by how the Waterford Rose, Abby Walsh, spoke about her county that she's a very proud Waterford woman. And she certainly did her county proud too. 

Abby used some of our native language during her piece on stage as she's also very proud to be a múinteoir, along with her hobbies that take her around the county and across the country. 

"Abby Walsh is ainm dom," she began. 

"I am 22 years old and thrilled to be representing the oldest city in Ireland - Waterford. I am blessed to be working in my dream job, Múinteoir Bunscoile in a Gaelscoil (Primary School Teacher in an Irish speaking school). 

"I have an enormous grá for the Irish language, music, and culture. If I am not travelling the four corners of Ireland for dancing competitions, I enjoy catching up with friends, and visiting our local beaches and Greenway," Abby said.

On a more personal note, Abby mentioned some of her daily habits: "I am a gifted talker, napper and grazer eater. I am secretly amazing at building in Minecraft! I love to laugh, and think that a sense of humour is an essential trait as a Múinteoir," she continued, "I have been spreading my passions for the Irish language and dance for the past few years, encouraging everyone to try and say cúpla focal gach lá and inspiring Irish dancers to stay active and participate. 

"I am excited to make new life-long friendships, and meet inspirational brave women, with big dreams while on my Rose journey."

"My life value is; Victory does not always mean winning. Victory means rising after every fall," she concluded. 

The Rose of Tralee continues tonight on RTÉ, with the winning Rose due to be crowned as the event reaches its grand finale.