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New Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh: I'm proud to be the first GAY winner of the competition

Newly-crowned Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has historically revealed she is the first gay winner of the competition.

The Philadelphia Rose said she has been a lesbian for the last two years – and feels it is entirely normal.

And Maria, 27, said: “To me, being gay is normal. I told my parents and they were supportive, as I knew they would be.

“I’m not ashamed of my sexuality by any means. The Rose of Tralee is about celebrating women’s intelligence, careers, their volunteer work.

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Roses: Maria said everyone in the competition has been supportive

“The question of sexuality just never came up. To me, being gay is normal; it’s natural.”

The Boston-born winner – who grew up in Mayo – had been in a relationship with a woman for two years before splitting up recently but insisted they are still friends.

She said: “I walked into a room one night and met this person that I dated for about two years.

“For whatever reason, I instantly knew that I wanted to be with her and do everything to make that relationship work.

Philadelphia Rose - Maria Walsh

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“I wasn’t a closet gay person until that point, I just met her and I was excited by this relationship.

“We loved each other and that’s what was so great about it… She’s still love of my life. It ended on great terms.

“She supported me in Tralee this weekend. I’m certainly not ashamed. People have been so supportive.”

And Maria told the Irish Sun she hopes it will help people come out now who are struggling with their own sexual identity.

She said: “If this can help any person to feel more comfortable with who they are then I’m happy.”

Bosses of the festival have insisted they are fully behind Maria.
Executive Chairman Anthony O’Gara, said: “Her sexuality will no doubt create some interest, hopefully all positive.”

Former winner Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain has backed Maria and said that she is a “wonderful representative” for the Rose of Tralee.

She said: “Our new Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh is a wonderful representative for both the festival and young women everywhere.

“Sexuality needn’t be a headline but at least a positive story like this brings Ireland’s dinner table and political conversations to 21st century.”

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