Hung out listening to bands in the street and then moved down to Carlow, stopping at various places on the way.  Escorted by police the whole way of course!

Had an incredible reception in Carlow - the whole town came out to welcome us and we all received a rose from 28 4-year old boys in tuxedos, too cute!  Had a civic recption at the council buildings and then paraded through town, loads of bands and street performers etc. 

Had dinner at the hotel we were staying at with locals and the mayor, again several of the girls got up to perform.  A guy from Riverdance did a show for us.  By now all us girls had become pretty close and were really beginning to enjoy ourselves.

We toured around the county in about 12 vintage cars.  I was in a Rolls Royce - gorgeous! 

We then had a night parade on horse-drawn carraiges and dinner at a very palatial restaurant.  At dinner I sat with the UK, New York and Italian Roses and swear it was one of the best times I had all week.  Just hilarious. And absolutely everything paid for!!

Spent the morning at the Olay factory and lunched at another hotel.  Traveled across Limerick through to Tralee, stopping at villages along the way.  When we arrived in Tralee we had to go straight into the Dome (a massive marquee where the show, ball and fashion shows will be held).

Here we met our escorts.  When we arived the boys had to sing to us and we had to sing back to them.  It was so funny, they sang "You're too good to be true" or whatever its called - we sang " Who let the dogs out".

Ball night.

We had 30 minutes to get ready for the ball.  There was a champagne reception first and then we headed over; around 1200 people there.  We were all introduced to the sponsors, supporters etc. 

The band were excellent and we danced till 2 in the morning.  My escort was fantastic, clicked immediately and had a good laugh. 

Stayed up in the girls rooms and ate pizza till late (the cool thing is that we can call our escorts at 3am and get them to run errands for us - priceless!)

The fair was on in town, circus and always bands playing on the main stage.  Weather absolutely amazing - around 23-25 degrees every day. 

Had dinner at a hotel in town and then headed off for the parade.  We were on massive fancy floats and had bands in between us.  You couldn't see for people and everyone was taking photos and throwing books at us for our autographs.  There were lights all down the streets and it was like being in a Christmas parade or something. 

I still can't believe how many people were there and at the end we were all introduced individually on stage. 

There was a reception party afterwards and again a great band and loads of dancing, in bed around 4am

Following that we had to attend a church of Ireland Mass.  Met a guy from Queenstown.  I was surprised and pleased by how many people were supporting me who had been to New Zealand or had connections there. 

Lunch after church(s) and then another parade.  Then we went to the Circus - just a bunch of freaks in a tent.  Was a good chance for a little shut-eye!  More interviews with judges etc.

Following dinner we headed to a fashion show in the Dome, another after party followed and another 4am finish

Busy day and by now I was really running on adrenaline as I had zero energy left. We had a fairly relaxing afternoon as half of the girls had to get ready for their interview on stage that night. I was to be on Tuesday night,  so was able to just chill out. 

We had drinks beforehand and then headed over.  All the girls looked amazing.  What a mad night.  Marty Whelan (the compere) was fantastic - very funny.  It was cool to see a live show in the making.  There were about 3,000 people in the Dome and apparenty this years show had the hightest ratings ever.  We're talking around a million viewers. 

Some of the girls sang or danced for their items; they were all excellent and we had a great laugh.  Escort of the year was announced and there was an after party to follow at this very cool old pub. 

In bed around 4 and up at 8 again.

I was 4th on the night.  14 of us were on that night and I was pretty chilled about the whole thing.  I had got to the point where I was so tired and to tell you the truth was probably a little tipsy the whole time anyway! 

My time on stage went very quickly.  I had no nerves whatsoever, and enjoyed the experience.  Ian freaked out when the cameras went on him, (he he!!)  You sort of just think that you are only talking to everyone in the room and not that everyone you have seen all week and half the country is at home watching you!

My write up in the papers said I was "cool,calm and collected and elegant in emerald green" so I was pretty happy with that. 

At about 11pm they announced the winner.  Wow, what a moment!

You could just feel this incredible tension in the room and the suspense just killed everyone!  I was absolutely wrapped that Tamara won.  She is one crazy kid - completely nuts but 100% genuine - tells it like it is and has loads of charisma.  She looked great and will be good for the Festival.  They need a whole new approach as a lot of people don't realise how modern and funky it is.  Its not the traditional type of contest that most people think.  She was hilarious, the funniest chick ever, always caught her smoking in the toilets and misbehaving, but she's real, and I like that. 

I wasn't really disappointed that I missed out.  Everyone deserved it and it just wasn't my year.  Everyone said that we were the best group of girls they have had in years. Everyone got home around 10am on Wednesday morning after being out celebrating all night.  It was the hugest night ever!

On Wednesday night everyone who was still here went out - about 12 of the girls and pretty much all of the boys. 

It was so nice to just hang out and have a few beers in our jeans, without any makeup!   Everyone was so relaxed it was great, danced in the streets again till 6am and then came home and slept all day today.