Nicola Norris, cool as a cucumber, sips water from a glass and tucks into a sandwich in O'Brien's coffee shop in Derby city centre.

You'd never know that this Irish beauty's life has been one big adventure over the last few months. That adventure reaches its climax next week in Tralee.

When I arrive, for our lunchtime meeting, the blonde chatterbox is talking at ten-to-the-dozen, in a lilting Irish accent, on her mobile phone. The conversation sounds very intense...

Nicola on the final night in Derby back in May

After the game Nicola's making her way to Molville in Donegal to spend a few days with her family who live there.

"I can't wait to see them all," she told me, "I'm just going to spend a few days chilling out at home and being looked after before I have to be back in Dublin on Tuesday".

The Roses, 26 girls from around the world, meet up for the first time on Tuesday in Dublin.

"I'm a bit nervous about that but I've had a sneaky look at the webpage so I know who the competition is, they all look lovely, I'm sure it'll be grand."

Then it's a rollercoaster ride of photo-sessions, interviews, gala dinners, public appearances, grand balls, parties and all this before next Monday and Tuesday, two major nights of the festival.

I'm taking my Derby Ram with me. He's my lucky charm and he's coming to Tralee with me.

Nicky talks about her good luck charm

I asked Nicola how she's been preparing for the contest.

Nicola has also had an evening dress designed for her by the British designer Paul Costler. Nicola's measurements have been e-mailed to Paul and he's created a dress for the final night. Nicola has no idea what the dress is like.

"It's a total surprise. I have got a spare just in case it doesn't fit or I feel uncomfortable in it, but I hear he's pretty good at this sort of thing."

More importantly though she's been making sure that all of her friends here in Derby have been enjoying the Craic.

There's a huge Irish community in Derby, one that revolves around the Irish Centre, on Beckett Street, and a few of the city bars.

Nicola's meeting up with her friends tonight in the St Peters' Churchyard pub, Ryan's Bar.

"We went there the night after the UK final in Newcastle. Rory, the owner, popped open a few bottles of Champagne and there was a huge banner saying 'Well done Nicola'. They're giving me a send-off tonight and I imagine it'll be something of a rowdy affair."

I asked Nicola if she was taking anything with her for luck.

Nicky with her good luck Derby Ram

"I'm taking my Derby Ram with me", she said, "He's my lucky charm and he's coming to Tralee with me".

"I'm also taking a huge entourage of friends and relatives. I hear some of the girls have made T-shirts with my photo on the front."

If Nicola wins she'll be an ambassador for Ireland and the Rose of Tralee contest. She'll travel the world and visit Irish communities across the globe.

Even if she doesn't win, Nicola will be the UK Rose until June next year. Her year will be spent travelling around the country attending functions and ceremonies.

The UK finals will be held in Derby next year.