Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh tries on her Ferns top which was presented to her on a visit to the Ferns N.S. Pic: Christy Farrell

ROSE OF Tralee Maria Walsh came to Wexford last week as she searched for county’s next representative in the one of Ireland’s longest-running festivals.

Philadelphia Rose Maria was said to have left a wonderful impression “on both the young and the old” as she visited Co. Wexford on a two-week tour of the 32 Irish counties.

First on the agenda was Scoil Naomh Maodhóg Ferns, where current Wexford Rose Deirdre Miskella teaches.

The school pulled out all the stops to welcome Maria, with pictures of the stunning 27-year-old, who was raised in Co. Mayo, adorning the walls.

The school choir sang and danced, pupils gave Maria a ‘virtual tour’ of Ferns via a slideshow, educating her on the history of the village, and she was presented with a Ferns hoody and basket of Wexford produce.

The Rose then opened the floor to questions from the enthusiastic kids, who were fascinated to learn the difference between growing up in America and Ireland, what her Christmas was like and what it was like to be interviewed by Dáithí Ó Sé

“She was a super communicator,” principal Colm O Tiarnaigh told The Echo.

“She was absolutely lovely to everyone she met. One of the children put her on the spot by asking the best joke she’d ever heard, and she just laughed, “hearing that Mayo were going to win the All Ireland in 2014!”

Next up for Maria was Afternoon Tea in Whites of Wexford, where she met with Mayor of Wexford George Lawlor and signed autographs and posed for pictures with any fans.

Wexford Mayor George Lawlor is pictured with Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh. Pic: Christy Farrell

The hotel described her as a “remarkable lady with an amazing, fun spirit” and said she is welcome back anytime, while Cllr. Lawlor also clearly enjoyed his time spent with the Rose.

He posted a photo of the pair on his Facebook account, having swapped his chains for Maria’s Rose of Tralee sash, commenting: “A new direction!”

Full story and photos in this week’s Echo.