Waterford will have another strong connection to this year’s Rose of Tralee festival after Dunhill native Rachel Keane was selected to represent New Zealand.

Rachel was chosen at a selection event in New Plymouth last night and will represent East Bay Auckland as the New Zealand Rose at this year’s international festival in August.

It means Waterford will have two representatives at this year’s event, with Cara Comerford also selected to represent the Déise.

Rachel is a past pupil of St. Declan’s Community College, which took to social media to congratulate their former student on her achievement. The school said they were proud to see Rachel representing New Zealand on the international stage.

Speaking to WLR, Rachel’s parents Brendan and Paula Keane said the news has brought huge joy to the family.

Her father Brendan said: “We are over the moon for Rachel. It hasn’t been the easiest year for us, but this means so much to us. We’re just in shock.”

Coverage of the Rose of Tralee festival will air in August.

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