Tipperary’s Aoife Kelly named 2008 Rose of Tralee

Tipperary representative Aoife Kelly has been named as this year's Rose of Tralee following the annual pageant in the Co Kerry town.

The 23-year-old occupational therapist was chosen last night from the 31 competitors in this year's event.

Reigning Rose Lisa Murtagh of New York handed over the tiara and sash to her successor, who also receives a new Volvo car and a €25,000 trip around the world.

The Portroe native, who is due to get married this October, works in the spinal injury service at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.