Tara takes the crown at Rose of Tralee

AFTER weeks of polished smiles and high-heel-induced blisters, hot favourite Tara Talbot has been crowned 2011 Rose of Tralee.

The Queensland rose, who is half Filipino, was handed the 12-month role by last year’s winner, 2010 London Rose Clare Kambamettu, last night.

The secondary school teacher was the bookie’s hot favourite.