By Cianna McNally

Monaghan Town lady Noelle Clerkin who was crowned Monaghan Rose 2010 at a function in the Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney last night, Sunday, 16 May has spoken of her delight at being awarded the title.

The 21-year-old from the Clones Road who is the daughter of Noel and Rose Clerkin was one of nine girls from around the county who battled it out for the crown. Speaking to monaghanlife.ie, an ecstatic Noelle gushed, “It is all still sinking in but I am absolutely delighted. It will be such an honour to represent Co Monaghan for the year.”

Noelle who works as a radiographer in St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin described the other girls who she competed for the title with as “lovely” and said she has made some great new friends. The 2010 Monaghan Rose also believes she fought off some stiff competition to clinch the title.

Noelle who was sponsored by her uncle Danny Clerkin’s Monaghan Town business Etiquette, enjoyed being interviewed on stage by host and compere Conor McPhillips from RTE and Cool FM. “I was very nervous before I went on stage but Conor was a gentleman and really put me at ease.” The pretty blonde who had plenty of support from family and friends also gave a performance of the Christy Moore hit ‘Ride On’ while on stage.

Noelle will now go on to represent Co Monaghan at the regional finals of the Rose of Tralee which will take place in the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel from Thursday, 3 June until Sunday, 6 June. The 2010 Monaghan Rose would like to express her thanks to her family and friends, her sponsor, the 2009 Monaghan Rose Nicola Hackett and the Glencarn Hotel for all the help and support she received. Local man Eoin Treanor (pictured with Noelle), was also awarded ‘Escort of the Night’ at last night’s function and will now go on to act as an escort at the Rose of Tralee final. To see more photos from last night see our gallery.