Cork native Nicola wins Rose of Tralee

Luxembourg Rose Nicola McEvoy was crowned the 2012 Rose of Tralee last night. Cork native Nicola, who is 26 and who grew up in Kerry Pike and Kinsale, stole the hearts of the judges with her warm personality and her beautiful version of the French song 'La Vie en Rose'.

Nicola moved to Luxembourg after her boyfriend of seven years, Eamon Dunne, found work there and she now teaches history, geography and human science at the European School of Luxembourg.

A clearly shocked Nicola, who was wearing a red and nude lace dress she had made in Luxembourg, gratefully accepted the Phillip Treacy-designed tiara and embraced her parents who were cheering her on from the crowd. Nicola's other prizes include jewellery, personalised cutlery, a Hyandai car, a €25,000 tour of the world and an adventure break in Kerry.

An only child, Nicola was presented with her prizes by fellow Corkonian and Munster and Irish rugby star Ronan O'Gara to raptourous applause at the Dome in Tralee.

Nicola had suprised host Dáithí Ó Sé by planting a continental trio of kisses on his cheek when she made her first appearance on Tuesday night. He had joked that he was "not sure the wife liked that one!"

Edited to add 'Kerry Pike' to Nicola's homeplace. 14:46:20