Nicola's Norris, the University of Derby graduate who competed in this week's Rose of Tralee competition, might not be coming home with official trophies but the festival's catch phrase should be still ringing loud and clear in her ears - 'They're all winners'. Nicola's parents, Marion and Pat, spoke to BBC Derby's reporter, Annabel Caulton, straight after the winner had been announced. "It goes without saying that we're beside ourselves for Nicky, she's done so well and we're as proud as can be. For her to get up on stage, and in front of 1.6 million people watching the show on TV is tremendous, she's got a lot of courage". Nicola's boyfriend added: "Nicola told me tonight that she can't wait to escape to the cottage we've rented, we're looking forward to a cosy night in eating pizza and watching a video. "Nicola's a down to earth girl, it's not going to bother her that no one at home wants her autograph". Nicola roomed with Tamara Gervasoni, the Italian representative and ultimate winner of the title, during the festival. Tamara told us that she can't wait to come to Derby for a visit: "Nicky's sold it to me, I'll be there as soon as I can. I'm looking forward to a night on the town, I've heard it can be a pretty wild place at times. If not before I'll be there for the UK final next May and Nicky's escort, John, is going to come too." Whilst in Ireland Nicky caught up with Liberty X who were playing on the Denny Street stage as part of the festival's free entertainment.
Nicky posed for photos with the pop stars. Liberty X's Kelli said: "I'm behind Nicky all the way, she's from Alvaston and I'm from Littleover, you've got to stick together haven't you!" "I'm supporting the girl from Galway," Tony from the band chipped in: "is she here? Actually they all look like 'lovely girls', how do you get to be a judge on this kind of thing?". Father Ted parodies aside, they were all lovely girls and we've got the photographs to prove it. Why not give yourself a few minutes to leaf through our online rose garden! Now see our picture galleries Gallery 1 - The Sunday night rose parade
Gallery 2 - Morning mass and a flutter
Gallery 3 - Big night and the party after |
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