New York Rose Annemarie Lynch represents Irish community at the Rose of Tralee

Cavan girl chosen from dozens of New Yorkers to represent the Empire state in Kerry this year

Not only has the former Co. Cavan footballer received an overload of emotional support, but she has also received a tremendous amount of help from top Irish designers in order to prepare for such a big event.

"There has been lots of dresses, headpieces, shoes and bags", says the fashionista who has interned with two different designers in New York having got distinctions in Fashion Design and media make-up at Cavan college.

"I have been lucky enough to get to wear Irish designers like Jacqueline Quinn, Joan Ghali, Don O'Neill and also a lovely lady in Dunshaughlin called Fiona supplied me with beautiful pieces from her store Fortuna so I really appreciate everything I have been given. The Rose of Tralee committees and centers are also so good and are always on hand to help with the prep needed."

As confident as the rose is, she can't help but feel a little bit nervous for her appearance on the night. "Daithi O' Se is great though and he can relax you with his sense of humor."

Given her success and rising stardom with her music and singing, Annemarie will without a doubt sing and play the guitar on the night, which will be a spectacular performance.

With everything else all set and ready to go for Tuesday night, the final thing we want to know about is the young beauty's frock for the night. The fashion diva was more than happy to give us some sneaky detail about what to expect when she walks out on stage.

"My dress is by an amazing designer called Don O’Neill. He is a lovely Kerry man and his label is called THEIA. The dress is red and strapless, I love it. Don has provided me with almost all of my dresses for the festival and I could not be more thankful. It is a credit to him that after working with A-list stars he still has time to support the Irish community. Thank you to all the talented Irish designers who have supported me and provided me with incredible dresses."

The Rose of Tralee hopeful is looking forward to enjoying this once in a lifetime experience and making lifelong friendships. The ambitious rose has already plans set for the future following the Rose competition. She will be back in Dublin to complete a masters program in business and entrepreneurship.

Finally, if Annemarie were to be crowned the Rose of Tralee she admits, "I think at this stage, making it to Tralee and experiencing the last week on the rose tour has been a victory in itself. I feel blessed and privileged to have been chosen to be a part of the festival as the New York representative. No words would ever do justice to how it would feel to be chosen to represent Ireland for the year. There is so much good you could do with such a respected title and I would love to be a part of that however, after getting to know all the girls I know the crown will be in safe hands no matter who wins."

The entire Irish community in New York has no doubt that our she will do us proud when she airs sixth on stage in Tuesday night’s Rose of Tralee competition. Good luck Annemarie.

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Nster.com