"I think it has made me so strong."

Thousands across the country tuned in to RTÉ on Monday night to watch the yearly pageant competition hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas.

Galway's Rose, Deirdre Jennings, stood out to viewers as she chatted to Dáithí about the recent death of her father and her struggles with her mental health since childhood.

"When you’re in a good place, that’s the best time to work on yourself."

Galway Rose, Deirdre Jennings, shines a light on mental health during the #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/2sJB1Vsrl4

— Entertainment on RTÉ (@RTE_Ents) August 19, 2024

Galway Rose Deirdre Jennings opens up on mental health battle

The 29-year-old from Rossaveal revealed that her father passed away during the year of her Leaving Cert, after a battle with cancer.

"My brain just put it into a little chest and tried to ignore it and not deal with it, but you can't do that, it will always come out in the end," she said.

Deirdre said that she had struggled with low mood and negative thoughts since childhood, but said it was only when she was 16 that she asked for help.

She recalled finally asking her mam for help and arranging a GP visit with the support of her family.

Admitting it's been a "long journey", Deirdre said, "I wouldn't be who I am today without it, I don't see it as a really bad thing in my life, I think it has made me so strong.

"I feel like I've mastered it somehow, I feel like I have a really happy life, most people don't even know.

She continued by urging viewers to ask for help, which she said is "a brave thing to do but it's an important thing to do."

She then added: "Secondly, it was the kindness of people [that helped] - it was the kind GP or the kind counselor, or the kind person in the shop.

"When you're having your worst day and someone smiles at you and is nice to you, its really important."

Viewers praise Galway Rose of Tralee contestant for 'brave' interview

Deirdre's interview had viewers praising how open and honest she was about her struggles, with one saying: "Well done to the Galway Rose really spreading more awareness on mental health."

Another added: "A brave interview from the Galway rose there. I think sometimes mental health is a popular topic to chat about but you can tell she is someone who really has experienced challenges & worked hard to come out the other side.

"It means a lot to her. Hope she does well."

A third said: "The Galway Rose is my favourite so far. A very frank conversation. She came across as genuine."

Another viewer agreed, saying: "Every so often your attention is captured by the story of one of the Roses.

"Thank you Galway Rose Deirdre for sharing a story of community, support, resilience and hope."

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