Congratulations to Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain who was crowned Rose of Tralee 2005 this week. Aoibhinn, who represented Mayo, was one of the favourites to win the title and walk with the specially commissioned Newbridge Silverware tiara.
Not just a pretty face, 22 year-old Aoibhinn has a first class honours degree in Theiretical Physics from UCD and plans to continue her post grad studies in Bio-Physics. Her impressive academic achievements include a student placement in 2004 at CERN (Centre European de Research Nuclear) in Geneva, awards in the international Mathematical Contest in Modelling, an Entrance Scholarship from UCD in 2001 and scholarships from Bord Na Gaeilge.
A natvie Irish speaker, she loves singing and also plays concertina, piano and guitar. She has been a member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann for many years and has awards for sean-nos singing. She has also won awards for short story writing and poetry.
Phew! We should send her as our representative to the Miss Universe contest.
As well as the prestige of the title, Aoibhinn will travel the world on a €25,000 trip paid for by Kerry group, receive a home make-over from main sponsors Newbridge Silverware and a brand-new car provided by sponsors Smart Telecom.
