WHERE HAS THE BLOG BEEN?

On 2nd August I smashed up my right hand! In hospital and all that, so could not update. However my left hand now kind of works.
I'm off to the Rose Ball tonight (in half hour).
I'll keep you posted!

From San Francisco to LA

We have been sent an item about Jamie Lundy, 2008 San Franciso Rose. In 2006 Jamie wrote about an Immersion Trip she undertook, with others, to East Los Angeles. It would be an understatement to call that area deprived and dangerous, but then I have never been there. Jamie has, and her writing about that experience is wonderful. If you go to the Genesis magazine here, then go to page 21, you can read the entire story. It is worth the effort.
p.s. find Jamie in the pic!

Boston & New England News

We have received an update on Cailyn McDermott, 2008 Boston & New England Rose. It looks like August is going to be a seriously busy time for Cailyn. Not only is she coming to Tralee, but has been studying very hard and is to receive her Masters Degree from Boston College. And of course she also has the small matter of her send-off party on the 7th August. Busy lady.

A Man!

Yes, it is a man. Our first picture of a lone man. Who is he? He is Liam Gahan, 25, from Kilmacow, Kilkenny, and he has been chosen as one of the Escorts for the Roses at the Festival in Tralee. And what does Mr. Gahan think of his upcoming engagement? "Jeez, I can't wait," he said excitedly. "It's going to be great.""It's meant to be great craic down there, so I think it will be a brilliant week".

All of this is courtesy of the Kilkenny People. If you want to know more about the role of an escort, please visit the article here.

Aislinn Ryan - Riverdancer

Maybe you do know, maybe you don't, but Aislinn Ryan, 2008 New Zealand Rose, is a very talented lady. Visit the Riverdance site here to find a profile of Aislinn and her Riverdance life. A little taster for you from the article;
What´s the question you are asked the most when people realize you are a Riverdancer? "Don´t you have to be Irish to do that?"

Partridge in Perth

Sarah Ann Partridge is the 2008 Perth Rose. The Irish Scene magazine has a full article about Sarah Ann, and you can read and download the magazine for free at their site.

It would appear that Sarah Ann will not be short of supporters at the festival in Tralee - her mother is from Dublin. To quote her "my 90yr old Grandfather has said he will be there with bells on and cheering for me louder than anyone else. My uncle thinks that he will need to organise a coach just to get all the family there to see me".

Please visit the site for more.

Lily Whites Forever

We neglected to bring your attention to an article about Denise Healy, 2008 Kildare Rose. The Leinster Leader has an extensive story on Denise here.