WATCH: Westmeath Rose Grace dedicates poem to late brother
The New Zealand Rose may have won the Rose of Tralee crown last night, but the Westmeath Rose Grace O'Connor won the hearts of the hundreds of thousands of people who tuned in to watch on TV.
During her interview with host Kathryn Thomas, Grace spoke movingly about her relationship with her late brother Ryan, who died unexpectedly two days before Christmas last year.
Grace said that Ryan was her "rock" and ""would do anything to help people".
"We got through everything together. It was him that pushed me to do this so I'm here for him now."
For her party piece, Grace, who was supported in The Dome by a large Westmeath contingent including her proud parents and other family members.
The poem read: "Dear brother, my whole life is up rooted and changed and yet people expect me to be the same.
"But how do I go on like nothing has happened continue to look at life with joy and passion? People come and people go that's true I know. But some people you want to hold tight.
"Some people you want with you through every fight to help you feel that all is right.
"You always pushed me to be the best that I can be and for that I owe you an eternity. An eternity of gratitude, love and appreciation you showed me life was such a beautiful creation. I'll forever hold you in my heart, I know that we are not apart.
"I know that you are with me every step of the way I can hear you in my mind saying, 'Go on Gracie, this is your day!'"
Grace's beautiful tribute to her brother received widespread praise on social media, including the Westmeath Examiner's Facebook page.
"Dear Brother"
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) August 20, 2024
Your brother would be so proud of you Grace 💙#westmeathrose #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/pHNO8swdZS
"Well done Grace! What a beautiful, natural and graceful lady, who did all of us proud and you are our Westmeath Winner, hope you have a bright and brilliant future," Delores posted.
"Well done Grace you are amazing beautiful girl inside and out, you did Westmeath so proud," Martina.
"Grace by name and nature pure class. What a fantastic girl your poem was just amazing and a wonderful tribute to your brother Ryan," Denise said.
"Well done, you did your family proud, such a courageous young girl. Your brother would be so proud of you, you're a winner for Westmeath," Mags said.