"I love farming but there are so many strict rules coming into farming and so many boxes have to be ticked that it's pushing young people away," said Wexford Rose of Tralee contestant, Clíona O'Leary.

Living on the family dairy farm in the rural village of Boolavogue, the 26 year-old is currently in third year at South East Technological University (SETU) in Co. Wexford, where she is studying for a Bachelor of Science in sustainable farm management and agribusiness.

She is also completing her six-month work placement in John Cullen Grain in Ballymurn.

The eldest in a family of three, Clíona helped out her parents, Siobhan and Eugene, on the farm from a young age.

Clíona said: "It's completely family-run. We're also silage contractors but I stay away from the machinery unless you want gaps taken out."

When she finishes college, Clíona plans to work in sales in the agricultural industry.

"I really enjoy meeting people and being out and about. I would also like to do part-time farming," she said.

An enthusiastic member of Kilmuckeridge Macra, she is on numerous committees in the club and is the Wexford representative on the national council of Macra.

Being an active member of the club has really stood to her in her studies and work, she said. She is also involved in the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA).

No stranger to the dance floor, the Wexford Rose loves country music and jiving and travels throughout the country to dance competitions.

"I also love playing bingo every Friday night for Oulart, the Ballagh GAA club," she said.

Two years ago she also took part in the Wexford selection for the Rose of Tralee.