An absolutely top performance.
At its best, the Rose of Ireland gives Irish women the platform to bring to the fore social issues that don't always get enough attention.
The Westmeath Rose was a tough act to follow, but the Carlow Rose, Shauna Ray Lacey, quickly won over many hearts by frankly discussing her parents' struggles with heroin addiction.
Lacey, herself a mother, was supported in the crowd by her mam, who is in recovery. She dedicated her performance of Aslan's 'Crazy World' to her late father — whom she said was responsible for all of her musical talent.
RTÉ shared a video of the performance.
https://twitter.com/RTEOne/status/1031631678458933248
Lacey's honesty about such a difficult issue was a highlight of the opening night of the Rose of Tralee, and many commentators on social media were quick to praise the young woman.
Some went so far as to say that nobody else would best her.
https://twitter.com/deric_hartigan/status/1031631530735611905
https://twitter.com/RorysStories/status/1031631310127882240
https://twitter.com/amyohconnor/status/1031631456915865602
https://twitter.com/honeybelau/status/1031631361956892673
https://twitter.com/CiaraByrne7/status/1031631893555556352
