Rose Of Tralee 2010 Notes

Jessica Smiles

2010-09-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Jessica Adamson, 2010 Carlow Rose, has returned to the classroom following the Rose Festival. The Carlow Nationalist has a great piece about Jessica and the aftermath of the festival. May we quote '"The beautiful Jessica glittered in Tralee last week, making her a firm favourite not just bookies but with all those who attended the Rose of Tralee festival. “I’m shattered since getting back. Really, it’s been hectic ever since I won the Carlow Rose,” said Jessica on Monday. “I had an absolute ball in Tralee. It’s a shock to the system to get back to normal. It definitely is a bit sad that it’s all over,” she admits'.

Click this Carlow Nationalist link to read the full story.

Clare's Escort

2010-09-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Just a pic from the Roscommon Rose Site. Here we see Donal Gill (Roscommon Escort) with Clare Kambamettu the 2010 Rose of Tralee.

Klassy Anne

2010-09-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

Klassy Dress hire sponsors Roses each year, and document their photos at their website.

From their site we see Anne Sinnott, 2010 Wexford Rose, together with MC Daithi O'Shea.

Martha loved it

2010-09-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

Martha with Robbie

Martha Gilheany, 2010 Leitrim Rose, had "the time of my life" at the International Rose Festival, according to the Leitrim Observer. The article reveals Martha's experiences at the festival - e.g. what was the highlight at Tralee? - "When asked about the highlight from Tralee, Martha didn't hesitate in selecting the parade. She said it was "magical," she described the sky, the atmosphere, the crowds, the colourful floats and most importantly her support as "extraordinary."

Martha Escort during the festival was Robbie Costello, the same Robbie who won Escort of the Year. From the Observer - 'Martha paid tribute to her right hand man, Robbie Costelloe who won Escort of the Year in the Dome last Monday night. She said he was a "gentleman and so funny, he helped me relax when I got nervous" '.

Read more in the Leitrim Observer.

London, Tralee, Clare

2010-08-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

The Irish Echo, from Australia, has more about London Rose Clare Kambamettu, 2010 International Rose of Tralee.

The site quotes Clare ' "It’s been an absolutely amazing week,” she said, “and what I’ve learned about the Rose of Tralee is that everything you think is going to happen, you just double it, and triple it, and add a million on to it and you get somewhere near what actually happens" '.

Visit the Irish Echo.

Less than 40 winks is good for you

2010-08-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

How would you look in the morning if you only had 1.5 hours sleep? Not as good as Clare Kambamettu, 2010 Rose of Tralee. The photo appears in the Irish Times.
To quote from the article - '"It's in the unofficial job description. A Rose of Tralee must be able to party all night and emerge by breakfast looking as though she has had her full eight hours in the scratcher.So in keeping with tradition, London Rose Clare Kambamettu (26) from Co Kildare, the 52nd Rose of Tralee, turned up looking radiant, clear-skinned and sparkly eyed after 1½ hours of sleep yesterday morning.
By 9.30am she was on her fifth appointment of the day. “I went to bed at quarter past five and I’ve been up since before seven so it’s been a hectic couple of hours,” she smiled, her voice hoarse. “I’m just getting used to all this.”'

There's a lot more in the article - here.

A Trip to Tullamore

2010-08-26T01:48:00.000-07:00

Danielle McBurnett, 2010 Arizona Rose, visited the town of Tullamore during her trip to Ireland, acording to the Offaly Express. Why Tullamore? Because it is twinned with Chandler, a town in Arizona. Simple really.

Read all about in the Offaly Express.

First Night Slideshow

2010-08-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Aisling Ryan, 2010 Queensland Rose, confuses Daithi

The Irish Independent brings us a great slideshow of the first night. One of the photographs is of Rose Talty, 2008 New Jersey Rose, who is Daithi's girlfriend.

Here is the slideshow.

More Pics - Second Night

2010-08-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Clare Kambamettu, London and International 2010 Rose

The Irish Independent has a very good slideshow of photographs of the Roses on the second selection night. Go here to view it.

Clare Kambamettu from London is the 2010 Rose!

2010-08-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Clare Kambamettu, London Rose and

2010 International Rose of Tralee

London Rose Again in 2010!

2010-08-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

The 2010 International Rose of Tralee is Clare Kambamettu, reigning 2010 London Rose.

Daithi picks his Rose

2010-08-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Daithi has admitted that he is stepping out with a Rose - the 2008 New Jersey Rose. That's her, Rita Talty, up there!

Click the pic - it's huge!

299 More Photographs!

2010-08-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

Those good people at Event Capture have been snapping away. Just visit their site and view (or buy!) 299 photos taken of the Roses at Ballinasloe.

Danielle on the edge

2010-08-24T03:34:00.000-07:00

We don't often hear from the Clare Herald - but they bring news of Danielle McBurnett, the 2010 Arizona Rose. Here she is at the Cliffs of Moher, which she has voted to be amongst the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The Clare Herald has an extensive profile not only of Danielle, but on the links between Arizona and Ennis, the county town of Clare.

Read it here.

No Snakes in Australia?

2010-08-23T02:06:00.000-07:00

The Carlton Hotel are one of the sponsors of the Festival - taking care of many of the Rose needs. Earlier in the week the Roses visited Dublin Zoo.

It was there that Bridget O'Connor, the 2010 South Australia Rose, came face to face with Brian the snake. She screamed and screamed, according to the Carlton website! Surely there are more dangerous snakes and spiders in Australia. Maybe not.

Down First

2010-08-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

Lisburn Today (Ulster Star) brings us up to date with news of the 2010 Down Rose Gemma Murphy. It appears that Gemma is the first Down Rose in 51 years to reach the finals in Tralee. I think Gemma under sells herself slightly when she says (per the article) '"I will be nervous about the TV part because I have never been on stage before. It is not something I am used to, I hate being the centre of attention. It will be a ten minute conversation so I will just try to forget I am on TV. I am nervous that I might fall over or something but once I get started I'm sure it will be fine"'.

Visit the Lisburn Today site for the rest of the article.

Broadsheet Roses

2010-08-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

the view from Broadsheet

The site Broadsheet brings you a slide show of some of the 2010 Roses. You should then browse Broadsheet - it should bring a smile to your face.

Daithi and Dublin

2010-08-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

From the pages of the Herald we find Niamh Sherlock, 2010 Dublin Rose, with Daithi (you never see Daithi in a pic with another man!). The article tells us about her boyfriend (not Daithi!) and her plans for the coming Festival week.

More About Donal

2010-08-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Probably the best aricle about an Escort is the one in the Galway Advertiser. It gives a thorough profile of Donal Gill. Just to give you a flavour of the report '"As the girls were being interviewed the lads were also interviewed by Rose of Tralee delegate, Ollie Lawlor,” he says. “He and the girls chose the escort to go to Tralee to represent Roscommon. When I was chosen I was totally shocked. I had a fantastic night at the selection so it was an added bonus to be chosen. My full compliments go to the Roscommon Rose Committee, they put on a great night"', and "It was fantastic to meet the other lads, they were a sound bunch. It was good to be able to put faces to the names. It was an activity-based weekend with canoeing, kayaking, etc. The organisers also outlined the expected attire for the festival. A lot of it you would have yourself ordinarily. I had most of it myself. You are asked to look sharp, clean and casual"

You really should read the story - here.

Daithi Gets Rose Support

2010-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

There is no stopping Daithi's progess. This pic and the following quotes come courtesy of IFTN.Their article includes the following quote '"We were in RTÉ,” he explains, “and the girls brought the sunshine with them. There was a big photocall with lots of photographers so we had a bit of fun with the girls chasing after me and sprinkling rose petals on my head. They’re a great gang of girls and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better in the coming days"' and also this '"The new host has admitted some slight issues have already risen as to his rapport with the 32 roses. “A few of the foreign Roses have admitted that they’ve watched some clips of me online to try to get a handle on my accent,” he says. “Hopefully they’ll be fluent by the time they join me on stage.” '

The IFTN is an interesting website - go there to find out about those people behind the RTE TV production.

The Daithi Show

2010-08-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

He's everywhere! Daithi on the run, pic from Metro.

Leitrim Rose gets ready

2010-08-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

Martha Gilheany, 2010 Leitrim Rose, is ready for the Rose Festival according to the Leitrim Observer. Just this week her itinerary includes "Tomorrow night we have a photo shoot with Daithi O Se and interviews with RTE. This week we fit in visits to Newbridge to sort out jewellery, we have lunch with ambassadors, visit Kilmainham Jail and the Guinness Brewery," before they move on to Ballinasloe, Birr, Banagher, Clare and Limerick. This Friday, August 20 the Roses arrive in Tralee, where the party really gets started. "It is going to get even crazier in Tralee, it moves up to fifth gear there," Martha explained. Each day is scheduled from 10am until 11pm with the judges watching their every move" - taken from the article.

Read more, a lot more, at the Leitrm Observer.

A Balbriggan German Rose

2010-08-18T03:06:00.000-07:00

At last something about the German Rose 2010 Ruth Levins. She was spotted by the Fingal Independent at a dress fitting. It appears the Ruth is originally from Drogheda.

Read the Fingal Independent.

Roscommon Pair

2010-08-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

Deirdre Lenihan, 2010 Roscommon Rose, Donal Gill, Escort

The Roscommon Rose website has a slideshow of their Roses send-off in conjunction with the Roscommon Lamb Fesival. Confused? No need to. Read all about it here.

Escort and his Rose

2010-08-18T02:40:00.000-07:00

Adam Craughan certainly gets his PR done. The Clare Champion carries this photo of him. I'm thinking "butter wouldn't..............."

All the Roses!

2010-08-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

RTE have just produced a slide show of all the Roses on a photocall, together with the ever present Daithi.

Visit this link to see all the photgraphs

Escort update

2010-08-14T01:53:00.000-07:00

Adam Craughan with Limerick Rose Brid Richardson and Boston Rose Deirdre Keane.

What is a typical Escort? Have a look at the Limerick Leader - Adam Craughan is the Escort for Limerick and they do a profile of him here.

Some points from the article; 'Having heard about the tales and escapades of previous escorts, Adam said he is really looking forward to his trip to Tralee. "Absolutely, I can't wait for it. It's going to be a great experience. Our duties are to ensure the Roses have an enjoyable experience, to promote the festival and have a good time ourselves"'.

All The Roses

2010-08-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

RTE have a slideshow of all the Roses since 1959 - see it at the RTE site. The images in the sidebar come from the RTE site.

Tracking the Roses

2010-08-12T02:47:00.000-07:00

Roisin Hunt - San Francisco Rose 2010

There's more to the Festival than the last week in August in Tralee. A lot more. The Westmeath Independent brings us up to date with events all over the Midlands.

There are two reasons for the Midlands to celebrate the Roses - they have two Knockcroghery Roses - Aine Shine, Liverpool Rose and Roisin Hunt, San Francisco Rose.

Briefly, the itinerary takes the Roses from Ballina through Birr, Banagher, Dublin Clare and Limerick. To read the full itinerary please read the Westmeath Independent.

Daithi goes free

2010-08-10T12:58:00.001-07:00

Maybe you know and maybe you don't, but the selection of the International Rose of Tralee will be held in the 'Dome', situated at the Carlton Hotel at Fel's Point in Tralee. The Carlton itself is the hub of all Rose events during the festival, indeed the Carlton group is heavily involved with the Rose of Tralee.

For instance, is your name Daithi ? If you are you qualify for a FREE overnight stay at the Carlton Tralee!

What's a Daithi? Spot him below!

Both photos from the Carlton.

Kerry in front

2010-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

It seems that (in Ireland at least) Veronica Hunt, the 2010 Kerry Rose, is leading the betting. It is a great excuse to post another photograph of her.

The picture was taken by John Hennessy, photographer. Do visit his site for more.

Luxembourg Calling

2010-08-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of the Luxembourg Rose site we have lots, tons, of photographs of the selection night. Clare McGing (above) was chosen as the 2010 Luxembourg Rose.

Visit the Luxembourg site.

Limerick well represented

2010-08-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Elaine Rael (above) is the 2010 Dubai Rose - she is from Castletroy in Limerick. The Limerick leader informs us that there are other 'Limerick Roses' - Louise Lenihan, the Sydney Rose and Brid Richardson, the Limerick Rose.

More of this at the Limerick Leader site.

Fund raising update

2010-08-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

Elsewhere on the site you can read about the climb up Kilimanjaro to raise funds for VSO. Kelly O'Shea, 2009 Queensland Rose, was one of the climbers. she is second from right in the above photograph.

Full details at The Chronicle.

Belfast Twosome

2010-08-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Student President at Queen's University Belfast now has another duty - he has become an Escort for this year's festival. He is Gareth McGreevy and is pictured above with Frances Rafferty, 2010 Belfast Rose. The story come from the pages of the Belfast Telegraph.
We have seen many quotes from the Roses, so how about this from Gareth (in the Belfast Telegraph) "The Rose of Tralee is something I have grown up with in our house and we watched it every year without fail. I had always wanted to be one of those escorts and this year, thanks to my friend Susan, I went for it.” While acting as Student President for nearly 24,000 students, Gareth has managed to fit in a bit of fundraising for the event. “One of the most admirable things about the Rose of Tralee is that it isn’t just about the festival in Tralee. You get to put something back into your community and benefit others who need help. This year the Escort selected charity is Turning the Tide of Suicide. “Suicide is a major problem in Northern Ireland which sees us ranked as one of the highest rates in Europe. It is especially poignant for me as the suicide rate is especially high amongst young males who are in the low 20 age bracket — those who are at the age of attending University".

He has other interests too - go to the Belfast Telegraph for more.

Proper Way to Water Roses

2010-08-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

The Irish Independent has this photograph and story. It seems that 6 Roses jumped fully clothed into the Atlantic Sea on the Kerry coast. Dominick Walsh is the photographer in the water, with Eric Hanaton taking the pic.

The article says 6 Roses went into the water, but I can only see 5 in the picture. Does anyone know who the missing Rose is?

The wet Roses were Belfast Rose Rose Frances Rafferty, Cork Rose Laura Mitchell, Kerry Rose Veronica Hunt, Tipperary Rose Lynda Kelly, Dublin Rose Niamh Sherlock and the 2009 Rose of Tralee Charmaine Kenny.

Mr. O'Gara is quoted in the article "If you are entering the knobbly knees or glamorous granny competitions, looking above to the magnificent aerial display and parachute jump or simply perusing the 50 years of fashion exhibition at the County Museum, we wish you every enjoyment at this year's festival".

Read the Independent article here.

New York News

2010-07-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Irish Emigrant has posted more news of Katie Dunleavy, 2010 New York Rose, well, no news really, but lots of photographs.

Check them out here.

Getting Ready for Tralee

2010-07-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

The Newry Democrat has a very full, long feature all about Gemma Murphy, the 2010 Down Rose. Gemma lives a very full life, according to to the paper, "As well as juggling two demanding careers as a social worker at a Lisburn children’s home and working in the family business, Jack Murphy’s Jewellers, the former Newry High student throws herself into voluntary work. Since she was 13, she has been an active member of Newry Gateway Club and volunteers with PIPS and Saint Vincent De Paul. But life hasn’t been without its hurdles for Gemma. While studying for her social work degree at Manchester University, she was diagnosed with dyspraxia and dyslexia. Having dyspraxia means she has difficulties with hand-eye coordination and balance. However, it hasn’t held her back and she completed half of the Newry City Marathon this year".

It seems that Gemma is greatly supported by many of the business in Newry, in the article she thanks to Berling, Dali Boutique, Micall Henshaws, Neola, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Deborah Rose Bridal and Newry Democrat.

Please read the item at the Newry Democrat for much more about the preparations being undertaken by Gemma for her two weeks in Tralee.

New Orleans News

2010-07-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

Yet again we have to thank the Times-Picayune newspaper for updates and photographs about the 2010 New Orelans Rose, Lizzie Wales.

To quote from the article; "My husband and I have been to Ireland before, in fact it’s where we celebrated our honeymoon," Peggy Wales (Lizzies mum) said. "We have close ties to Ireland. My grandmother is from there, and my mother shared many stories with Lizzy about life there. We often joked that Lizzy was meant to be there, and soon we will be going. Juggling her travel preparations and final exams, Lizzy Wales is still very excited and honored to represent the New Orleans area in the Rose competition. I have exams coming up and then after that, I get to go shopping and get ready for the big trip," she said. "It just feels so great to represent my hometown and make my family proud. I have always written book reports on Ireland, studied all about it, and heard about it from my family, and now I get to go. "

As ever, visit the Times-Picayune for more on this story.

Washington Walsh

2010-07-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Nip over to the Washington D.C. website and get more information about Katherine Walsh, 2010 Washington D.C. Rose - that's where you will find her photograph.

Martha gets good odds

2010-07-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

The Leitrim Observer tell us that Martha Gilheaney, the 2010 Leitrim Rose, is one of the hot favourites with the bookies to take the overall Rose of Tralee title later this year.

But all is not plain sailing for a Rose. Poor Martha has had all of her jewellery and shoes stolen. How did it happen? Did she get them back? Read this article at the Leitrim Observer for the full story.

And what does she think of her being a favourite with the bookies? From the article "Martha said the bookies tips are "very flattering" even though she said "I don't know how they make them up." She said it is exciting to be hotly tipped but she won't be taking them too seriously. She said she is advising everyone "not to bet" on her as she does not want to pay them all back if she is unsuccessful".

More, lots more, at the Leitrim Observer.

New Orleans - in Pictures

2010-07-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

These are some photographs received (from a mysterious source) showing Lizzy Wales, the 2010 New Orleans Rose.

Half Dozen Roses, Please

2010-07-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

The Belfast Telegraph brings to us this photograph featuring, left to right, Martha Gilheaney, Leitrim Rose; Frances Rafferty, Belfast Rose; Jessica Adamson, Carlow Rose; Gemma Murphy, Down Rose; Lynda Kelly, Tipperary Rose; Bernadette Ryan, Laois Rose.

Go to the Belfast Telegraph to read more about Frances and Gemma.

Toronto Rose

2010-07-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

By way of the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto we have a photograph of Yvonne Herber, the 2010 Toronto Rose.

On Your Bike

2010-07-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yet again, Veronica Hunt, 2010 Kerry Rose, gets herself in the news. The Rose brand is obviously very important and helpful!

In this picture we have Veronica meeting Tomy Roche in Youghal Fire Station. Read all about it at teamyoughal.com.

Kerry Rose in Youghal

2010-07-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's quite amazing the amount of public opportunities that await a Rose. Veronica Hunt, the 2010 Kerry Rose is no exception.

Here she is pictured introducing the contestants for the Youghal 'Queen of the Sea' competition. For more details and lots of photographs, visit Youghalonline.com.

Southern Australia

2010-07-16T01:50:00.000-07:00

If you vist the Southern Australia Rose facebook page you will find more information about Bridget O'Connell the 2010 Southern Australia Rose.

Dublin Rose - hundreds of photographs

2010-07-16T01:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks (again!) to Event Capture for their great photographs from various selection nights around Ireland. Here we have Niamh Sherlock, the 2010 Dublin Rose.

Like to see more?

Click here to see more photographs of Niamh Sherlock.
Click here to see all contestants for North Dublin
Click here to see all contestants for Dublin South.

Luxembourg Report

2010-07-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

Clare McGing is the 2010 Luxembourg Rose of Tralee. Visit the Luxembourg Rose site for more details.

New York Winner!

2010-07-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

It surely is very fitting that the New York Rose selection was held in a pub called the Kerrymen! The website Irish Central brings us the news that Katie Dunleavy was crowned 2010 New York Rose on the night. And what was Katie's reaction? - by way of Irish Central 'after the result was announced, Katie said that she was “thrilled” to have won. “Now I get to go to Ireland, it’s gonna be great!” she says, while her mother says that “I’m very happy but I wish her dad was here, he just passed away this year but he’s rooting for her, We’re all very happy, she’s a lovely child. I’m over the moon and I can’t wait to go to Ireland again.”'.

Visit IrishCentral.com.

New York snippet

2010-07-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

The website Irish Central has a full feature about the 2010 New York Rose selection, you can also hear the various contestants being interviewed at the site. Katie Dunleavy emerged as the 2010 New York Rose.

The Irish Central reports as follows; "Katie Dunleavy is sponsored by Burgen County St Patrick’s Day. For her ‘piece’ she talked about her visit to Ireland weeks ago and her family heritage. Both Katie’s parents are from Dublin and this is the first personality selection which she’s done. She says that it would be the “experience of a lifetime” to be elected the New York rose and says that she’d love to see Tralee. Both her parents came from Dublin. She’s currently pursuing a dual PhD/MD degree with the aspiration of qualifying as a research doctor. She’d love to travel to South Africa, Egypt and the Vatican – and of course to Ireland!"

Photos from Southern California

2010-07-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

click any pic for a larger version

These are some photographs of Sarah Felong, the 2010 Southern California Rose, taken at the Great American Irish Fair and Music Festival held in Irvine, California. We hear from Sarah's sister Rachel that Sarah enjoys opera singing and Tae Kwon Do. Not content with that Sarah undertakes volunteer work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Belfast by degrees

2010-07-07T01:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is difficult to hear about some Roses. This is Frances Rafferty, the 2010 Belfast Rose.

The photo is from Queen's Now.

Snippet from New Orleans

2010-07-05T01:11:00.000-07:00

Jeanne Bourgeois, Erin Nolan, Elizabeth Wales, Kendall Griffin.

pic from nola.com

This is the only news we have to date about the 2010 New Orleans Rose. Thanks to Nola.com we find a number of pictures of their Rose of Tralee selection. Visit the site for the pics.

Hopefully we will soon learn more about Elizabeth (Lizzy) Wales, the 2010 New Orleans Rose.

Slide Show of Mid-Atlantic Night

2010-07-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

By way of irishphiladelpha - a great slide show of the Mid-Atlantic selection night. Above is Mairead Conley, 2010 Mid-Atlantic Rose with Jim Donovan, MC for the night.

Click this link for their slide show.

Bring 2 sashes into the shower?

2010-07-03T02:11:00.000-07:00

Some news from the irishphiladelphia site. Mairead Conley has two sashes - 2010 Mid-Atlantic Rose and 2010 Philadelphia Rose.

From the article "I feel dumbfounded. You never expect to win," said the self-described introvert and deputy director of community programming at the Irish Immigration Center of Philadelphia, following her local triumph Saturday night at the Philadelphia Irish Center. "I was completely blown away."

Will Mairead have three sashes by the end of August?

Philadelphia is Mid-Atlantic

2010-07-03T02:04:00.000-07:00

As always, the irishphiladelphia website brings us comprehensive news about matters stateside. The current 2010 Philadelphia Rose has become the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Rose - her name is Mairead Conley.

They carry a full profile of Mairead - I'm sure it is easier to become a Supreme Court Judge. You can find out all about Mairead - her ambitions, aspirations, intellect, social responsibility and Irish heritage.

We will just lift one piece - about Mairead's Irish heritage; "The Conleys are from Ballina in County Mayo. They emigrated to Canada, and were in Newfoundland before coming down into the U.S., into Indiana and Chicago. My mom’s family is from Strabane, County Tyrone, and from Abbeyfeale, County Limerick. We just visited some family there last summer. And it’s really funny because I was actually in Tralee last year, too. I saw the rose gardens and we saw a show at the National Folk Theatre. It never entered my mind that I’d be going back, let alone as a Rose".

More, much more, at http://irishphiladelphia.com/maireadconley .

Charmaine visits her Alma Mater

2010-06-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

The diary of the Rose of Tralee is extremely varied for the year of her reign. Here we see Charmaine Kenny, the 2010 Rose of Tralee, presenting the Susan Parkes Educational Achievement Medal to Lisa Cunningham at Trinity College.

The Trinity College website has all the details go here and/or here.

Hot News from Texas

2010-06-30T02:29:00.000-07:00

Adrienne Hussey has been selected as the 2010 Texas Rose. Thanks to Marius and Holly for this news and photograph.

More to follow.

Luxembourg coming to Tralee

2010-06-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Clare McGing is the 2010 Luxembourg Rose - we learn this from news352. One of the Luxembourg McGings, Clare was born in there 22 years ago.

Maybe the news352 site can explain that - 'Clare, who was born and raised in Luxembourg and studied at the European School, won with her account of coming to terms with her nationality as an Irish person growing up in Luxembourg. Now studying at Trinity University, Dublin, she told the audience: “People always question where you are from. I’d tell them that I’m Irish but from Luxembourg. I think they found it confusing. In the end I enjoyed the fact that I was different. Once I stopped trying to make myself born and bred Irish and accepted that Irish was something else" '

Mid-Atlantic News

2010-06-26T00:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 26th June, the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Rose will be chosen. Where? At the Philadelphia Irish Centre of course. And of course the ladies at the centre of things are the Conaghan sisters Karen and Sarah. In the picture above Karen is far left and Sarah far right.

Did you know that it is planned to have 250 rose centres in America covering nine regions? You didn't? Go to the Irishphiladelphia site to read; 'Anthony O'Gara, managing director of the festival, says the United States is about to gain many, many new Rose of Tralee Centres--groups of people responsible for running their own local and regional festivals."Our ambition is to build 250 centres in America in nine regions," says O'Gara. "Sarah Conaghan and her sister Karen Conaghan Race have spearheaded the movement here in the United States. This [instead of running just one local festival], they'll be running a regional festival pulling in six centres" '.

The article continues ' O'Gara acknowledges that there are many Rose of Tralee Centers in the States already--but they're scattered. "There are pockets of Irish in cities and regions all over the united States," he notes. "If you just have one centre for every state, you're only reaching a tiny portion of the Irish and irish-Americans living in that state," he says '.

Now you know!

Photos, photos, photos

2010-06-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

The good people at the New Zealand Rose site are a very industrious lot. The Rose organisers spare very little when they publicise their activities. By way of email from Bryan Mulligan of the NZ center Rose of Tralee, we learn that they have just published a ton of photographs. The above picture of Elizabeth Sara, the 2010 New Zealand Rose, is just one.

A slideshow of the photos can be seen at http://www.emotif.co.nz/gallery.php?gallery=95 - this is the site of Emotif, the people who own the photos.

You can also go to http://www.roseoftralee.co.nz/2010-slideshow.html which is the New Zealand centre site.

An insider view at a Rose Selection weekend!

2010-06-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what happens at a Rose selection night or weekend? If so, you should head over to Kimbo's Blog-o, a blog written by Kimberley Farthing, from New Zealand - it's also full of great photographs (just like above).

She writes about her experiences at the 2010 weekend selection of the New Zealand Rose at Dunedin.

Go there and read it - very enjoyable!

Martha and her Wonderful FaceBook

2010-06-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

Martha Gilheaney is the 2010 Leitrim Rose. She has a fantastic Facebook page - here is that link. With support like that shown on her page she should have a great time in Tralee later in the year.

Athy 2, London 2

2010-06-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Kildare Nationalist has something of note to write about - the new 2010 London Rose, Clare Kambamettu is from Athy - just as last year's London Rose, Charmaine Kenny is also from Athy. Charmaine went on to become the 2009 International Rose of Tralee.

Do read the article, from which the following is quoted 'According to her mum, Breda, Clare decided to enter the competition when she saw an advertisement on her way home from work one evening. “She had been attending a lot of very serious interviews and just decided that this would be a bit of fun,” said Breda, adding that her daughter was selected as London Rose at Moran’s Hotel in North London last Saturday night. “Actually it was 2.30am on Sunday morning when the final result was announced – it was tremendous excitement all round,” Clare’s delighted mum told The Kildare Nationalist'.

Belfast Rose

2010-06-17T01:52:00.000-07:00

We have just a little information on the 2010 Belfast Rose. She is Frances Rafferty and her picture comes care of the Carrick Times. There is some more news at the paper, read it here.

What the regional competition was like

2010-06-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

Arizona Rose 2010. Danielle McBurnett

The Irish Independent published a wonderful article, written by Caoham Keane. It is such a great piece that it is reproduced in full here.

For the real item, go to the Irish Independent.

'Beneath the overcast sky the streets of Portlaoise are filled with farmers' tans. Babies cry in buggies while teenagers with camera phones leer from the crowd.

Old men hang about outside the pub, feigning indifference as we cruise past at a leisurely 10mph, while mammies jog along side us, camera in hand, breaking through the docile hoi polloi observing the passing commotion.
I'm in the front seat of a Triumph Herald 1964 with the Manchester and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Roses Dee O'Reilly, 25, and Roisin Norton, 22, sitting behind. We're doing a loop of the town as part of a Vintage Car Parade, the highlight of the Gordon Bennett Classic Road Festival, which this year has teamed up with the Rose of Tralee regional finals to showcase Co Laois.
Until 2004 only eight counties represented the whole island, competing with the international girls for the chance to be crowned Rose of Tralee. Now, all 32 have a crack at the title, 29 of whom competed this June bank holiday weekend for one of the six places at the main event.
There are also 12 international Roses from North America and the UK competing for the four remaining spots, so the competition should be fierce.
Unfortunately for this budding young hack with dreams of making his name exposing bitchy beauty queens, it is not. Polite, pleasant and remarkably laid back, The Rose of Tralee doesn't seem to be the type of contest you enter to win.
Fifty years a-going, it is probably Ireland's biggest festival, a family-based event that was set up to bring tourism back to Tralee. The winning girl is the one deemed to best match the attributes of Mary, the original rose immortalised in the 19th-century ballad from which the festival takes its name.
Lovely, fair and smiling, Mary wouldn't get far in any post-Celtic Tiger beauty contest which seems to prefer cailins bleached blond and Botoxed, with every freckle concealed, every hair plucked, and a Lazarus-like ability to rise from whatever shame she has pulled down upon herself -- and her family -- to rise and make the headlines again.
"With competitions like Miss Ireland, the priorities lie elsewhere," O'Reilly explains. "We say: 'This is who I am. And it is exactly because of who I am that I will go on and be successful in this life.' It's not just what's on the outside. That's just the icing on the cake."
The Roses exude a nostalgic sense of Irishness. They are giving me the kind of feeling you get when you read Ireland's Own or the bumper Christmas edition of the RTE Guide.
Though I have barely spent any time with these ladies, I am already starting to question the great Yeatsian trope about romantic Ireland. It's not dead and gone. I'm in it. I wonder if there will be dancing at the crossroads later.
If there is, the girls will have to change first. While critiquing dresses may not be my strongest suit, I found myself wondering if there was any reason why the Roses seemed to favour a cut and a colour not usually seen on girls their age.
Floral patterns, stripes and polka dots abound. I see knitwear, complicated headwear and painful-looking footwear. Some girls look very striking; some are very original -- the Cavan Rose is sporting a lovely orange woollen gown -- while others look as if they have stumbled across a treasure trove for middle-aged drag queens.
Tyrone Rose Carla O'Brien, 27, sheds some light on the modest nature of the attire as she relates "getting a wee bit of criticism" at county level for wearing a cut above the knee. It wasn't just for show, she explains; she needed a shorter skirt as her talent was a dance from Riverdance.
The Laois and host Rose, Bernadette Ryan, 25, who has nicknamed herself the recessionary Rose, talks me through her ensemble. "Everything in my suitcase will have come from someone who has given it to me."
She believes no one is in a position to pay for frivolous things out of their own pocket with the way the economy is at the moment and sees it as a nice way to involve others. "The community gets together and it's a way for local businesses to promote themselves and the county."
Most of the girls come from farming stock, many are teachers, some nurses, some social workers, and there are a smidgen of students. Strangely, there are quite a few Roses who have set up their own stage schools. They all seem to be sport mad, competing in marathons, playing GAA and rugby and constantly chatting about their county teams who were in action over the weekend. Their answers and comments are littered with references to their parish, their community and their locality.
So why the Rose of Tralee? Some compete for the craic, others for the chance to meet new people. Yet more compete as a matter of honour, to represent their counties on a national and international level. The unifying strand is that they all grew up with the festival and in their youth expressed a desire to a family or friend to be a part of it.
The Sligo Rose, Stephanie Tempany, 25, recalls being allowed stay up late especially for The Rose as a child.
"The only nights you got to stay up in our house were The Late Late Toy Show and the Rose of Tralee, maybe the Eurovision if you were really, really good. So it reminds me of that back-to-school time of year when it was Glenroe, The Rose and then straight to bed."
Limerick's Brid Richardson, 24, can't remember a year she's missed it. "I'm a driven person and I loved watching the girls and seeing what they had done in life. It's not about world peace and wanting to save the world. You are in awe of them and what they have accomplished in their 24 or 25 years."
These girls really buy into this whole thing. "The message it puts out is that Irish women everywhere are capable, intelligent, fantastic individuals," says O'Reilly, "and like the Rose of Tralee herself in the song, each has something a wee bit more special about them."
On Saturday, things get even more Father Ted with a sheep-shearing competition, where more than 2,500 sheep are shorn by shearers from all over the world.
Armed with Champagne flutes, the Roses watch as world champion Ivan Scott does his stuff and look suitably impressed as the sweating, panting red-faced shearer grabs, strips and tosses the sheep down a hole before moving on to the next one.
The aim is to shear five sheep as fast as you could, making sure that "none went down the chute looking like a French woman, with hair under the arms", and the winner is Tom Kennedy, who did it in five minutes, 51 seconds. A selection of Roses are marched on stage to take part, teamed with a professional, before being frog marched off again by the predominantly female judging panel which had no time for such frivolity. This is serious business: there are sheep to be sheared!
A quick consultation with the organisers and the judges reverse their call as RTE are in the building and the Roses' stature presents too big an opportunity to bring some much-needed publicity to the event and the area.
Seven girls put themselves forward and, while The Wexford and Clare Roses impress, the Galway Rose makes her poor little lamb bleed by nipping it with her blade. Tempany, the Sligo Rose, used to earn her keep helping her father out with the sheep on the farm but demurred from reliving her youth. "That wool is very greasy and I haven't got a change of dress for this evening."
Elsewhere, the Limerick Rose demonstrates how to get up on a tractor while maintaining one's dignity, the Edmonton Rose flies around on a Massey Ferguson 35, and three other Roses try to guess the weight of two enormous heifers.
The good folk behind one stand give a demonstration of how you could turn poo into paper, while the Birmingham Rose is astride the bucking bronco, riding sidesaddle in an attempt not to flash her knickers.
I take a spin on an amusement ride with the Arizona Rose, Danielle McBurnett, who stands out from the other girls in her ambition. Eighteen years old and already a qualified nurse, she, like many of her North American counterparts, has her eyes firmly on the prize.
She is a bit savvier than some of the others and has a talent for positioning herself in the spotlight -- not a bad trait to have in an international ambassador. As I was spin around on the twist, my life flashing before my eyes like a mediocre mid-week movie, she smiles, raises her hands and aims her pearly whites directly at our cameraman.
A slash and a dash and we are back on the bus headed to hair and make-up for the final. Spread over two nights, the girls are interviewed for approximately 10 minutes by host Will Leahy before optionally performing a talent or party piece.
The crowd in the four-star Heritage hotel is made predominantly, if not wholly, of friends and family. The music starts. Carmina Burana seems a bit inappropriate for the opening credits of a personality contest, and, I would wager, does little to quell the butterflies.
The Tipperary Rose, who has been first up for nearly all the interviews so far, is taking it as a good omen that she's on first again tonight, while Wexford Rose Anne Sinnot is bouncing about claiming to have gone hyper (though having ridden with this life-lover earlier in the day, as she whooped and roared her way through the county in one of only three Austin 7 Arrows in the world, the change is hardly noticeable.)
The show itself is involving if a little unengaging when your own favourite roses aren't on-stage, and the tone of Leahy's questions has the feminist in my mind reaching for her Zippo and unhooking her polyester brassiere. No matter what the girls seem to have accomplished, we keep coming back to their role as doting daughter, simpering sister and wife-in-waiting.
There are the usual songs and stories with plenty of dancing across, around and, in the case of the poor old Sligo Rose, off the stage -- she goes arse over tit at the end of the first evening.
Poems recalling local and national treasures are recited (with piano muzak for added emotion) and some of the girls really push the boat out. The Wexford Rose bakes a banoffee pie in 60 seconds, the Limerick Rose teaches us how to do the hakka in Irish and the Wicklow Rose shows us how to burn money without ruining it. As each Rose departs the stage, so too do half her supporters tripping over themselves to get to the bar. Thunderous roars rock the Heritage hotel as each party jumps to their feet to support their local girl.
The 10 going to the next stage of the 51st Rose of Tralee are announced: Laois, Arizona, Liverpool, Sunderland, Leicester, Belfast, Down, Carlow, Tipperary and Leitrim.
My time with the Roses draws to a close, but for some, the party is only beginning. As I make my way to bed, a sister of one of the Roses is bellowing into her mobile phone: "We're going on the beer in Tralee!"

Read it all in the Irish Independent, here.

Cork Rose Picked

2010-06-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

We have those great people at Event Capture to thank for this photograph of Laura Mitchell, the 2010 Cork Rose. There are loads and loads more photos of the Cork Selection night at their site.

Tipperary marches to Tralee

2010-06-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

And now we have news of another Rose who will be at the finals in Tralee later in the year - Lynda Kelly, the 2010 Tipperary Rose.

That fine paper the Nationalist, tells us of the many talents of Lynda - "Lynda teaches Management and Organisational Studies at the Garda Training College in Templemore and holds a degree in Psychology and a Master's in Work and Organisational Psychology from NUI Maynooth. A talented and successful sportswoman, she was the first female to be named Athlete of the Year (2003) at NUI Maynooth, while she was playing for Munster and Ireland in senior ladies' rugby, and gained an international cap in the 2003 Six Nations against Cardiff. Her sister Patrique also played rugby for Ireland for eight years. Lynda's interest in rugby was fostered by her father Pat, who was always deeply involved with Kilfeacle Rugby Club in a variety of roles, including player, coach and manager. Both father and daughter also played with Clanwilliam Rugby Club. Although Lynda had to retire prematurely from rugby due to a back injury, she is still an avid sportswoman and plays basketball with the Tipp Tornadoes team, as well as hockey with the Tipperary Titans".

Go to the Nationalist for more about Lynda.

Louise is coming to party!

2010-06-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

This is Louise Lenihan, the 2010 Sydney Rose. Louise has a bit if an idea what is ahead of her in Tralee, if we are to believe the Penrith Press - ' "From what I gather we’ll be doing 10 days of touring while we’re there," Ms Lenihan said. "Then the final day of the event will be televised nationally. It’s one big party" '.

Looking forward to it already.

Go to the Penrith Press for more.

Five years later

2010-06-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Laois Nationalist brings us this picture of Bernadette Ryan, the 2010 Laois Rose. Apparently Bernadette is the first Laois Rose in five years to make it to the finals in Tralee.

Read it here.

Good luck Bernadette.

Martha Makes it

2010-06-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Martha Gilheaney, the 2010 Leitrim Rose has qualified at Portlaoise and will be in the International Rose festival in Tralee in August. This picture, care of the Leitrim Observer, shows Martha with Tommy - her 92 year old grandfather. It seems the Martha is the first ever Leitrim born Rose!

The Leitrim Observer goes on to tell us of Martha's many talents - "Martha is best known for her outstanding work as a dance facilitator/choreographer at the Shaylyn Group which she established with her sisters Laura and Jane. 25 year old Martha has a degree in Business Studies with Arts Management and a diploma in Image & Fashion Styling. She plans to return to college in September to do a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is no stranger to the stage as she has danced on You're A Star, appeared on Seoige and O'Shea and on the front page of the Irish Times. This will not be Martha's first appearance at the Rose of Tralee as she has previously performed with the Shaylyn Group at the Rose of Tralee International Festival".

The full article is here at the Leitrm Observer.

Jessica is on her way

2010-06-10T02:14:00.000-07:00

Jessica Adamson, the 2010 Carlow Rose, has made it through the regional finals in Portlaoise - she is now headed for Tralee in August. We gather this news from the Carlow Nationalist.

And how did the competetion go? The Carlow Nationalist reports ' "It went very, very well, even though I was really nervous,” said a jubilant Jessie on Monday morning after only an hour’s sleep thanks to the lengthy celebrations. “There were 29 girls over the two nights and we spent the whole weekend living in each other’s pockets. They were all amazing. Half of us went on Saturday night and the other half was on Sunday night, and I was nearly as sick as a dog waiting to go on. But the escorts were back stage and they were really great. Then I went on stage and I was grand. It was brilliant to see all the Carlow flags out in the crowd" '.

Read it here.

Aisling is a dream

2010-06-07T01:49:00.000-07:00

This is Aisling Ryan, the 2010 Queensland Rose. Photograph care of the Irish Echo (Australia). Click to enlarge.

And now Offaly Rose and Escort

2010-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

In a previous post about the 2010 Offaly Rose, Arlene Kelly, we mentioned that am Offaly Escort was also chosen, but we did not have a photograph. However thanks to the Offaly Express we present Cormac Ryan, together with Arlene.

Elizabeth, Rose of New Zealand

2010-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

The ever reliable Southland Times brings us up to date with things relating to New Zealand. Elizabeth Sara, the Otago Rose has been crowned the 2010 New Zealand Rose.

It seems Elizabeth is not only coming to Ireland to compete in the International Rose Festival - she will be studying educational psychology in Dublin.

Read more at the Southland Times.

Dunedin Rose Takes New Zealand Title

2010-06-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

We have a press release from the New Zealand Rose Site to thank for the news that Elizabeth Sara is the 2010 New Zealand Rose. Elizabeth was representing Otago as their Rose (picture from emotif.co.nz).

As the New Zealand Rose, Elizabeth now travels to the finals in Tralee later in the year. I think she may be understating the case when she says "I definitely don't have a clear idea of what I'm in for, but I've been told I will need a lot of energy and will be rushed off my feet, so I'm looking forward to it all".

A lot of energy, indeed.

click the pic to enlarge

New Zealand prepares to pick it's Rose

2010-06-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge

It's not only regional finals in Portlaoise - New Zealand has it's own regional rose competition. In the photograph above we see the New Zealand Rose of Tralee finalists (from left) Ashley Mackenzie-White, Karen Lynch, Kimberley Farthing, Nicole Gourley, 2009 New Zealand Rose of Tralee Lisa Monaghan, Elizabeth Sara, Anna Mills and Laura Young in Invercargill.

This picture is from the Southland Times (again!) and our attention was drawn to the article by the good people at the New Zealand Rose site - Bryan Mulligan in particular.

Talented Michelle

2010-06-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Michelle Moyles, the 2010 Mayo Rose, is but one competition away from appearing in the International Rose final in Tralee. According to the Mayo Advertiser, Michelle is "quite nervous" about the regional final in Portlaoise.
The article details some of Michelle's abilities -"Michelle is an avid Galway Musical Society member and accomplished member of the McCole School of Irish Dance for adults; she also enjoys salsa and ballroom and once a month helps organise a disco for people with disabilities. Well-travelled Michelle hopes to complete a masters degree and further contribute to the field of social care".

Noreen, The Sunderland Rose

2010-06-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Noreen Feeney with the famous Charlie Chawke.

Noreen Feeney is the 2010 Sunderland Rose. The Sunderland Echo brings us up to date with events. Noreen is originally from Armagh and is a clinical hospital pharmacist at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The Echo reports Noreen as saying "This is something I've always wanted to do since I was a little kid and it's amazing to be given this opportunity".

Her next appointment is in Portlaoise for the regional finals. Read about Noreen at the Sunderland Echo.

Meath has a Sarah too

2010-06-03T01:23:00.000-07:00

The Meath Chronicle brings us another photograph of Sarah McCann, the 2010 Meath Rose. Here she choosing her outfits for the regional finals in Portlaoise. More at the Meath Chronicle.

Sarah from Louth

2010-06-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Sarah Hoey is the 2010 Louth Rose, she will be going to the regional finals in Portlaoise. Her weekend includes (according to the Dundalk Democrat); ' "The regional finals marks the start of a hectic few days for the Mill Road girl, who also intends to run the Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin in aid of cancer on Bank Holiday Monday. "I'll be going down to Portlaoise on Friday morning and there's a big parade on Saturday and the results then on Sunday. "Then on Monday, I'll be stopping off in Dublin to do the women's mini marathon with a few girls I work with from Mizu." '

Go to the Dundalk Democrat for the full story.

Mayo Rose one step from Tralee

2010-06-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

Mayo Rose one step from Tralee

The Mayo News has a piece about Michelle Moyles, the 2010 Mayo Rose, written by Aoife Gillivan

MAYO Rose, Michelle Moyles, will be competing in the Rose of Tralee International Regional Finals this weekend to determine whether she will qualify for the main event in Tralee in August.

The finals will be held in the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel over the June Bank Holiday weekend, where British and North American finalists will also compete.

Michelle’s journey to become a rose has certainly been a family affair. Speaking to The Mayo News, the Crossmolina native explained it was her sister who filled out her application form for the contest, which gave Michelle a kick-start towards fulfilling a childhood dream.

“I suppose, like every Irish girl, I grew up watching the Rose of Tralee. I was five years old when I told my daddy that I was going to one day be up there on the stage. It’s a dream really to be involved in a contest I have been watching my whole life.” Michelle’s sponsor for the competition is ‘Alpha Wind Energy’ a Danish company her father worked with while setting up the family venture ‘Moyles Wind Farm’.

Michelle admits that becoming the Mayo Rose is ‘only just sinking in’ but she is excited to continue in the competition. She has already been practicing some social duties that coincide with the title, such as being invited as guest of honour at a ‘Sex and the City’ movie premiere night in the Broken Jug Bar, Ballina.

The Mayo Rose has been astounded by the support and encouragement of her family, friends and work colleagues. Michelle is a social care worker in ‘Ability West’, Co. Galway. Her clients, whom she calls her ‘family away from home’, have been exceptionally supportive.

“They’re so cute, they now call me ‘Rosey’. One client missed an interview I had on Mid-West Radio and has been plaguing me to bring in a tape of it.” They have also made posters and banners that some of Michelle’s work colleagues will bring to Portlaoise, in a bid to cheer Michelle on to Tralee.

Michelle proudly acknowledges her achievement so far, especially overcoming her nerves before singing in front of hundreds of people at the TF., Castlebar. Her experience of the contest so far has been wholly positive, as she recalls the kindness of a fellow contestant at the Mayo Rose competition. “It turned out I had to stay an extra night at the Castlebar competition for Mayo Rose and a girl I had just met that day, Debra, invited me to stay in her home. We went out with people from the competition that night, who were complete strangers to us, and had the best fun.” It is this positive meeting of new people that Michelle seems to enjoy most about being part of the competition.

The Portlaoise finals will be the last hurdle Michelle will face on her route to the Festival Dome. It is a case of the more the merrier who wish to attend the finals in support of the Mayo Rose.

She will partake in personal interviews, on-stage interviews and of course perform her talent of singing. All going well, she will be one of six girls, out of the regional finals twenty nine roses, selected to the live show.

Chloe, the Kilkenny Cat

2010-06-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

We are grateful to the good people at Eoin Hennessy Photography for this wonderful photograph of Chloe Hitchcock, the 2010 Kilkenny Rose.

Click the picture for a larger image.

Longest Rose News Item Ever!

2010-05-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

All local papers like to write about their Rose. The Sligo Weekender is no different, or maybe it is. They have just published, what I reckon to be, the longest Rose item ever.

The article is all about the 2010 Sligo Rose, Stephanie Tempany. I think we will just give you a few quotes, but you really should read the item (if you have time!).

"And as she gets set for the rose finals Stephanie is also preparing for a new job as a member of the Emirates Airline’s cabin crew. Just a week after the Rose glamour outing in Portlaoise she jets off to Dubai for a six-week training stint with the airline".

"The Rose of Tralee contender has plans to brush up on her Irish dancing ahead of the Irish Regional Finals of the competition.'I will be doing my party piece in Portlaoise, so I’ll be practising around the kitchen floor for the next few weeks'".

And one more;
"In South America we backpacked for three months. We did Peru, climbing, white water rafting, piranha fishing, you name it we’ve done it, it was the trip of a lifetime”. And Stephanie has been to Bosnia four times doing charity work. And despite her busy schedule she is going there again this summer. “I will fit it all in between the Rose of Tralee and the Emirates job. I have always been like this, I can’t sit still that’s my problem I’ve been like this, I’m hyper, I can’t sit still,” said the energetic Rose".

So there!. Read all about it! Go here.

Two Mounties and a Lady

2010-05-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Celtic Connection for news of Dayna Corbett, the 2010 Edmonton Rose. Dayna was born in Cork but has lived in Canada since the age of three. It appears that Dayna is a very talented lady. Not only a classical singer and Irish dancer she plays several musical instruments, though not all at the same time we believe (it would be a great party piece!)

Click here for the Celtic Connection.

Fermanagh's 2010 Rose

2010-05-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Impartial Reporter has a long article all about Charlene Brady, the 2010 Fermanagh Rose. Charlene has amazing musical ability. She played two reels on the old fiddle on the selection night - not only that she is an All-Ireland Fleadh winner as a champion drummer.

Also on the night the Fermanagh Escort was chosen - he is Niall Oates. According to the Impartial Reporter he is Lisnaskea's Most Eligible Bachelor! He is sure of a warm welcome in Tralee. How does an Escort view the competition? He is reported as saying "I was phoned the Fermanagh organiser of the festival and she asked me would I take part and I thought why not. The Rose of Tralee was always watched by my parents and my grandmother at home so it's a popular show in our house and I thought I'd give it a go. I heard the experience is meant to be brilliant so I'm really looking forward to it".

The full story is here at the Impartial Reporter.

Taranaki News

2010-05-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Taranaki Daily News has the following story - I quote in full!

"Taranaki's Rose of Tralee has packed her bags for the opportunity of a lifetime next week as she heads to the deep south to chase her dream.

Anna Rose Mills, a 25-year-old dental hygienist from New Plymouth, heads for Invercargill on Wednesday to pit herself against the other regional winners in the national Rose of Tralee final. The winner there will represent New Zealand at the Festival of Kerry in Ireland in August.

"I've got 16 supporters, some will be coming Thursday, then Friday, and Saturday," Ms Mills said.

She will wear her Taranaki sash from the moment she arrives at New Plymouth airport for her flight – the South Taranaki native took great pride in showing the sash to the young Irish dance pupils on a recent visit to Hawera.

The competition in Southland involves Irish dancing on Thursday, followed by breakfast with the judges and a tour of Invercargill on Friday morning. After this, the entrants will meet Mayor Tim Shadbolt, before attending the Invercargill Irish Society club that evening.

On Saturday they visit Bluff, have their formal interviews with the judges, and then it's on to the big ball that evening, where the winner will be announced. "It's quite intense, but then if you go to Ireland, it's a 10-day festival," Ms Mills said. "Taranaki hasn't won it for 16 years. I think we'll have to change that. I can't wait."

Four Taranaki women have won the national title since the 1970s".

This piece from the Taranki Daily News.

Roisin is Rose for real!

2010-05-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post we had a picture of Roisin Norton when she was but a contestant. Nothing to do with us but Roisin has been crowned 2010 Newcastle Rose. According to the Sunday Sun Roisin said "When the results were called out it was terrifying. All the other girls were amazing and everyone supported each other. At the end it was quite sad leaving them".

The Sunday Sun has the story.

Chloe, Kilkenny Rose 2010

2010-05-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

As we thought, the Kilkenny Advertiser has brought us up to date with news about Chloe Hitchcock, the 2010 Kilkenny rose. Chloe is one of those people who had a desire to become a Rose from an early age. A quote from the Kilkenny Advertiser article "Ever since I was little, as with most Irish homes the Rose of Tralee has been a family event. My mum (Maria), dad (Alan) and my brother Ryan would all sit around and enjoy the show. I used to say to anyone who’d listen ‘someday I’ll be a Rose too".

Read more, a lot more, at the Kilkenny Advertiser.

Roscommon Rose Gets Busy

2010-05-28T02:27:00.000-07:00

Deirdre Lenehan, the 2010 Roscommon Rose has PR to die for, compared to many other Roses. The Roscommon Rose site is keeping her supporters up to date with all of Deirdre's Rose events.

Go there and see how it's done!

Pic from their site.

San Francisco Rose from Curry

2010-05-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

The Westmeath Independent informs us that Roisin Hunt is the 2010 San Francisco Rose. Roisin hails from Curry, Knockcroghery in ~~Westmeath~~ and is a Media Studies Graduate. She has been working in California for over a year.
And is Roisin's dad happy? The Independent quotes him, "It's gathering steam alright, come August we'll be hyper".

Full story at the Westmeath Independent. Picture from the United Irish Cultural Center website.

OOPS!! As you can see from the comments below, Knockcroghery is in Roscommon, not Westmeath.

Sarah counts down to Regionals

2010-05-26T02:22:00.000-07:00

Time is moving on and soon the Regional finals will be happening in Portlaoise, June to be exact. Sarah Keogh, the 2010 Longford Rose, has had a great time so far according to the Longford Leader. Since the Leader has published it, it is no secret that Sarah's party piece at the the Regional final will be poetry. In the Leader's words, "Sarah previously wowed the Longford Rose judges with a heartfelt poem she wrote about the devastating fire that engulfed St Mel's Cathedral on Christmas Day and she intends to recite this poem at the upcoming Regional Finals".

For more about Sarah's preparations, visit the Longford Leader.

What Really happens in Tralee

2010-05-25T02:28:00.000-07:00

Lisa Monaghan was the 2009 New Zealand Rose. The New Zealand Rose Site kept a diary, both photograpic and written, of Lisa's adventures at the International Rose festival in Tralee.

This is a very, very full diary!

So, if you are coming to Tralee as a Rose or are just interested in looking behind the scenes, follow Lisa in Tralee.

More About Nicole

2010-05-25T02:19:00.000-07:00

We are grateful to the New Zealand Rose Site for more information about Nicole Gourley, the 2010 Southland Rose. Nicole is really into photography and plys her trade with the Southland Times. She also is finishing a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Nicole now goes on to compete to be the 2010 New Zealand Rose in June.

Otago - meet Sara

2010-05-25T02:11:00.000-07:00

Meet Elizabeth Sara from Otago who will be in the finals on the 2010 New Zealand Rose. I note that one of Elizabeth's interests is tramping. I think if she gets through to the contest in Ireland she will rename 'tramping' to 'hiking' or 'hill - walking' as we call it. A little word in the ear.........

Ashley from Hutt Valley

2010-05-25T02:01:00.000-07:00

Ashley MacKenzie-White is the 2010 Hutt Valley Rose. Ashley is one of those Roses with a finger in many pies, so to speak. A quote from the New Zealand Rose site will illustrate - "She lists her principal interests as collecting tea cups, fine art, craft, books and antiques, writing, embroidery & sewing, in particular cross stitch, baking such as experimenting with cupcakes, walks and travel".

This, and more, here.

A Waikato Farthing

2010-05-25T01:54:00.000-07:00

Kimberley Farthing is the 2010 Waikato Rose. Waikato in New Zealand as well you know, not the Waikato near Annascaul.

Kimberley has some quirky interests including wedding photography, hip hop dancing and eating steak'n'cheese pies. That must be a Waikato delicacy.

It's on to the New Zealand finals for Kimberley.

All the details here.

Auckland enters the fray

2010-05-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

Meet Laura Young who is the 2010 Auckland Rose. Laura has ambitions to

be a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A good start to foreign affairs would be a trip to Tralee! But first Laura must win the New Zealand final, and the best of luck to her.

Read it all here.