The Galway Rose will take to the stage tonight for night one of the TV aspect of this year's Rose of Tralee.
Medical social worker Deirdre Jennings is from Ros a Mhíl in Connemara, and works at University Hospital Galway.
She says she's been an avid watcher of the international festival her entire life.
Deirdre says a big motivating factor in deciding to be Galway Rose are her struggles with mental health, confidence and self esteem.
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She's been talking to David Nevin about what lies ahead in Kerry this evening.
