Catherine, a full time RE teacher at St. Joseph's Secondary School, Creggan, said: "I can't wait to represent Derry City and County at the regional Rose of Tralee finals; it really is a dream come true but, until the exams are over, the boys are my priority," said the affable teacher following her success.

"I have been watching the Rose of Tralee since I was six years old and I used to dream of being a Rose. I remember dressing up in my sister's formal wear and asking my mother should I wear this to the Rose of Tralee."

Catherine is the daughter of Charlie and Mary Lagan. Her mum and her sister, Bernadette, both died in a traffic accident in 1992.

"The night was touched with sadness as it was my mother and I who watched the finals.

"My father told me how proud I had made him after the announcement; when I heard my name, I didn't know what to say. I just couldn't believe they had read out my name."

Catherine believes the fact that she was "genuine, and just myself" is the reason she won through the Derry Rose heats. She now goes forward into the regional final where she will try to secure a spot in the televised final.

"When I came to school today the staff all said they seen my picture in the 'Journal' on Friday and I still couldn't believe I had won when I was telling them. I am really shocked and delighted. I don't think it has sunk in just yet."

Having performed a Percy French poem, 'Auch I Don't Know', to secure the title, Catherine stated she didn't think she would change anything from her routine.

"The guy from Tralee said I should keep everything exactly the same."

Catherine, who has been teaching in Creggan since 2005, attended school at St Mary's, Park, before going to Thornhill, then graduating from St Mary's University Belfast.

"Working in Creggan is fantastic. It is hard work and can be challenging but is ultimately rewarding."

Should Catherine win the Rose of Tralee final, she will have to give up that particular challenge as she represents Ireland around the world for 12 months.

"I just hope I can do Derry proud at the regionals first - then we can worry about being an ambassador for Ireland also," she laughed.