Tara Talbot (27) a secondary school teacher from the Australian State of Queensland is waking up this morning as the 2011 International Rose of Tralee.

Her name was announced by Dáithí Ó Sé live on RTÉ One TV in front of a massive viewing audience at home and in the Festival Dome.

“I am so honoured to have been chosen as the Rose of Tralee and to represent the 31 girls who were with me in Tralee for the next year. It really hasn’t sunk in yet but I’m looking forward to a new life experience,” she said.

Joining her on the night in Tralee were her Mum, Carmencita who is originally from the Philippines and her Auntie Cathy who is from Dublin. Tara’s Dad Ronnie, also from Dublin, was unable to travel from Australia to support her but he watched the event on www.rte.ie/live and he was on the phone to congratulate Tara within minutes of the announcement.

Tara was born in Dublin and moved to Australia when she was five-years-old, returning to live between Dublin and Galway for three years in 2006. Tara’s father is from Dublin and her mother is from the Philippines.

The 2011 Rose of Tralee has won a treasure trove of homeware and jewellery from lead sponsors, Newbridge Silverware. Tara has also won of a €25,000 world travel prize fund compliments of the Pilot Training College, the use of a brand new Renault Megane Coupe from Adams of Tralee, free accommodation for a year in any of the 10 Carlton Hotels nationwide, an adventure holiday in the Kingdom from new sponsors Kerry County Council, designer dresses from Fiona Whyte and free hair-styling from Bellissimo.

However, the most valuable prize of all is the experience of taking part in a life-changing event.

Massive crowds turned out in Tralee town centre for the traditional closing parade and Midnight Madness Fireworks Display to round off the Festival.

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