The 27 year-old originally from Boston, grew up in the south Mayo village of Shrule.

She studied at Griffith College Dublin before moving back to the states in 2010.

Maria now works as a Studio Manager for a clothing and lifestyle brand in Philadelphia.

Throughout the festival, she had been the overall favourite to scoop the title and she says she is very proud to have been selected.

Speaking of about the other Roses, Ms Walsh said: "I'm extremely blessed to be representing them all."