Shauna pulled out all the stops to impress the judges, even challenging host Kathryn Thomas to a rowing race.

Leitrim Rose Shauna Murtagh is the first Shannonside representative on stage later this evening as part of the 64th festival.

Leitrim Rose Shauna Murtagh is the first Shannonside representative on stage later this evening as part of the 64th festival.

A total of 32 roses will be interviewed over the next two nights by presenters Dáithi Ó Se and Kathryn Thomas.

Among the international Roses competing this year are Megan Cahill from Chicago and Ciara O'Sullivan from Dubai.

The Irish Examiner reports the Scramogue man was taken to hospital in recent years.

Longford Rose, Grace Kemple, will take to the stage this evening bidding to win the coveted title.

Sligo-Leitrim Labour Representative, Bernie Linnane says the show is simply about judging women.