Rose of Tralee International Festival - Official Programme 2018

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Official Programme

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer...

CÉAD míle fáilte to the magical kingdom of Kerry qualities that were evident to everybody who met her on Thank you to the management her journey. We are excited to host 57 wonderful Roses and and staff at The Rose Hotel for and the Rose of Tralee International Festival. their families from Irish communities around the world. We your wonderful hospitality to our We present you with an extravaganza of carnival, fun, promise you wonderful days, magical evenings, fun-filled concerts, FREE street entertainment, funfair, parades, nights, a truly life-changing experience and friendships that fireworks, circus and most importantly a rousing welcome will prevail. from the people of Tralee!

A sincere thank you to our host Dáithí Ó Sé, our three panels of An exceptional team has worked all year to produce this Judges and a special welcome to our Roses of Tralee, Roses showcase that is presented before you, and I want to and Rose Escorts who are returning to celebrate with us. sincerely thank every person involved. This team, many of whom are volunteers, at home and abroad have steered the The generosity, commitment and friendship from Robbie ship to a successful outcome in partnership with the local Scanlan and staff at Tipperary Crystal, our lead sponsor, is business community in Tralee. We thank our entertainers, valued and appreciated. We thank our friends in RTÉ for your media friends, gardaí and civic authorities who also play a continued partnership and for producing such an entertaining programme every year. key role in the delivery of our great festival.

Dr Jennifer Byrne is an outstanding Rose of Tralee who Kerry County Council puts the Kingdom strongly behind us as supported over 300 community, charity and festive events we promote the county at home and abroad. We appreciate during her year. Jennifer’s gentle demeanour belies her this support which is crucial to the ongoing development of courage, compassion, determination and passion for life, the Festival.

As Mayor of Tralee, I am thrilled to welcome you to my home town and to the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2018.

The high point of the social, community and cultural calendar in our wonderful town is here again and excitement is at fever pitch.

I always feel a great sense of pride at this time of the year when the people of Tralee showcase what is best about their town and extend the traditional ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to those visiting the festival.

I want to warmly welcome the Roses who are once again gathering from the four corners of the globe to represent their part of the world and their Rose Centres whose voluntary commitment to the event is fundamental to its success.

Thanks must go to the countless volunteers who work behind the scenes to make this wonderful festival a reality – it is well worth the effort and your dedication does not go unnoticed.

Again this year, Kerry County Council’s Municipal District Office in Tralee and its dedicated staff have worked and will work to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable time here in Tralee.

I hope you will all have fond memories of this fantastic event.

Cllr Graham Spring

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Roses and friends throughout the year.

This year, we are delighted to welcome Tesco on board as the sponsor of the popular Family Town in Tralee Town Park and Audiology Medical Services who have sponsored the two Rose Tour coaches and our 57 little Rose Buds.

We thank Kildare County Council, Into Kildare, The Glenroyal Hotel and the many wonderful tourist attractions in Kildare for inviting the Roses to enjoy your county on their journey to Tralee.

Anthony O’Gara

Executive Chair, Rose of Tralee International Festival

I am honoured that one of my first functions since I became of Mayor of Kerry earlier this summer is to extend a welcome to everyone to our county town for this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival.

Growing up and living in Tralee, I know how much the people of the town feel a sense of ownership of the event – it’s Tralee’s time to shine! The festival remains the centrepiece of the Kerry summer and remains a key driver of the tourist industry here and in the greater southwest region.

The enduring success of the festival is testament to the tenacity and passion of Anthony O’Gara and his team of organisers and volunteers. The event provides a wonderful opportunity to present Tralee and Kerry to the world in a special way.

Kerry County Council is delighted to contribute towards the running costs of the Rose of Tralee International Festival and to provide support through our local municipal office and personnel.

Very best wishes to one and all for a very successful 2018 festival.

Cllr Norma Foley Mayor of Kerry

Mayor of Tralee

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Welcome messages Rose Tour 2018 - Kildare Jennifer Byrne: A year in the life of the 2017 Rose of Tralee Rose Buds 2018 The story of the Rose of Tralee and Song Lyrics 2017 Roses Judges, TV Host Dáithí Ó Sé MIRACOCO Luminarium 2018 Rose Escorts & Bootcamp Highlights Roses of Tralee 1959-2017 Visitor Experiences The Prizes 2018 Thank You

PROGRAMME PRODUCTION Produced & Published by: John Drummey Communications PR | Media | Training | Advertising

Tel: 087 7909487 E-mail: info@johndrummey.ie Designed by: Sheila Carroll, CREATIVE REPUBLIC Tel: 085 7489834 E-mail: creativerep@gmail.com

Front cover: 2017 Rose of Tralee Offaly Rose, Jennifer Byrne

Printed by: TRALEE PRINTING Tel: 066 712 1230 E-mail: info@traleeprinting.com www.traleeprinting.com

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Oh no, `twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning...

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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A year in the life of the 2017 Rose of Tralee, Jennifer Byrne On behalf of the entire Rose of Tralee family, it is an incredible honour for me to welcome you to the 2018 Rose of Tralee Festival.

Early last May I was bursting with pride having been selected as the 2017 Offaly Rose. I will never forget the excitement as I realised I would be joining 63 other Roses and 64 Rose Escorts for the incredible Rose of Tralee Festival. From the very second Dáithí Ó Sé announced “Jennifer Byrne from Offaly” in the Festival Dome, the entire county of Offaly erupted with excitement. I was completely shocked and ecstatic all at the same time.

That night I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with my family, friends and Roses and at this stage I’ve almost got a selfie with everyone in the county!

The Rose of Tralee Festival in August was the most exciting and exhilarating experience of my entire life. We began our Rose journey in the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth, where Ted Robinson and his staff made us feel like royalty, as did our hosts at the wonderful attractions that we visited in County Kildare. We made our way down to Tralee and were greeted by our Rose Escorts on a red carpet at the fabulous Rose Hotel. Over the two weeks I spoke to each of the 63 other Roses who were all representing their communities so magnificently. As I spoke to each Rose, I was amazed by a different quality and trait they possessed and although everyone was unique in some ways, we all shared one major goal, to celebrate being part of the great Irish diaspora. I have never met so many genuine, intelligent, elegant, successful women who were all so full of charisma. I was honoured to be in the presence of these women and to be considered part of this group. I cannot put into words how eternally grateful I am for the support and encouragement these ladies have shown me all year and I know that wearing the sash will come and go but these friends will be there for many, many years to come and I am so grateful for this.

I was fortunate enough to have Eanna Ó Corragáin and Paudie Lucey as my Rose Escorts, two incredible gentlemen who did a great job looking after me for the week. Our Rose Escort of the Year, Thomas Lynch, I am Below: A life-changing experience in Belarus with Chernobyl Children’s International

Right: A refreshing walk to the Offaly border with some Roses of Tralee

so grateful for all your support, advice, fantastic sense of humour and friendship. Its been an honour to have you by my side for the year. I would also like to give a special mention to my fantastic Rose Bud Orlaith Leahy from Co. Limerick who really is the best Rose Bud in the world!

My year as the 2017 International Rose of Tralee was never about me but about what we, as a class of Roses and Rose Escorts, have accomplished together all over the world. The Festival is all about celebrating genuine, hardworking, driven Irish women in today’s society and how we are making a difference in countless ways in our respective communities. This year I was tasked with my biggest challenge to date – to be the ambassador for this Festival and for some of the most incredible men and women I’ll ever know.

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to attend so many events nationally and to travel all over the world representing the Festival. I volunteered in Kolkata in India with the Hope Foundation which was a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. Maureen Forrest is a very unique and selfless woman who has done so much for the children of Kolkata. It was amazing to see the children dancing and singing and communicating so well with me in English as they had been educated through the Hope Foundation.

I opened the Christmas Markets with the Germany Rose Centre in Frankfurt along with over 80 Roses, Rose Escorts and Rose boyfriends! It was a really fun trip and it gave me such a great opportunity to catch up with everyone after the Festival.

With Dara, ready to chat to Ray D’Arcy on RTE TV LIVE from Times Square, New York on St Patrick’s Day conditions leave you feeling helpless but we all developed an overwhelming sense of love for the children. They are phenomenal children who brought so much joy to us and I know that each of us think about them very often in our lives and hope that someone is loving and caring for these children the way we did while we were there. We raised a remarkable €61,000 for this amazing charity.

Over 80 Roses and Rose Escorts then travelled to New York for St Patricks Day. I was invited, along with the 2017 New York Rose, Sinead Kirnan, to Gracie Mansion. We then attended Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral, marched down Fifth Avenue in the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade followed by a TV interview for the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ live from the red steps of Times Square. I travelled on to Boston for a week before returning home.

I then made a magnificent trip to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Each destination was a phenomenal experience and the entire trip was definitely a major highlight for me. I did a safari and went sandboarding in Abu Dhabi, zip lined from 170m high across Dubai Marina, visited the fairy penguins in Melbourne, fed Kangaroos and went on the Wheel of Brisbane in Queensland and visited the beautiful Kings Park in Perth.

It was amazing to see such strong Irish heritage and celebrations displayed, many miles from the island of Ireland. I was looked after so well everywhere I travelled this year and I would just like to thank all the Rose Centres for their generosity.

Other highlights from the year include my incredible homecoming in Ballinahown, my Civic Reception in Offaly County Council, the Ploughing Championships (even if I did come second last at “Ploughing and the Stars” as I forgot to drop the plough!), Friends of A Ball, turning on the Christmas lights in Tralee, the Roses of Tralee reunion in Castle Durrow, Rose tour of Ulster, my Offaly Rose Selection night where I handed over the Offaly sash to the wonderful Katie Keogh and of course the hundreds of schools

I was granted the opportunity along with 27 Roses and Rose escorts to visit Vesnova children’s mental asylum in Belarus with Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International, a challenging yet extremely rewarding and life changing experience for all involved. We were fortunate enough to meet the wonderful Adi Roche, one of the most compassionate and caring people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I was extremely proud of our class of 2017 as everyone completely gave the whole experience everything they had. The heart-wrenching Right: Meeting Marty Morrissey at the Ploughing Championships

Hands up if you’re excited for the 2018 Festival!

Sand Dune jumping in Dubai.

Catching up with Niamh and Lisa in Dubai

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!Yikes!! Saying Hi to

a snake Down Under

!A quick photo with Baz

Ashmawy and Doireann Garrihy

Below: Opening the Christmas Market in Frankfurt with Dara

My family and me at the Offaly Rose Selection

A memorable day at the Chernobyl Children’s International Lunch

I got the opportunity to visit this year! I will never forget the joy on the children’s faces as they lit up every time I entered the room. I was delighted to get the opportunity to be involved with so many amazing charities in Ireland too, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, I’m a Friend (an anti-bullying and suicide awareness organisation in Offaly) Pieta House, Offaly Hospice, Irish Kidney Association and The Emer Casey Foundation to name a few.

I would like to thank everyone in the Offaly Rose Centre and to the local businesses in Offaly for your continuous support. My original sponsor was Anne-Marie Sorohan from Ferbane totalhealth Pharmacy. My Dome dress was designed by the extremely talented Geraldine O’Meara designs and my milliner was the fabulous Denise Casey Designs.

My Fair Lady boutique in Tullamore also sponsored me so many beautiful outfits and Paul Byron Shoes sponsored footwear for the year.

I would like to thank all of the incredible sponsors of the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Tipperary Crystal had every Rose sparkling in Tralee with their beautiful jewellery and I was absolutely blown away by my spectacular home ware prize. My KIA Stonic is an absolutely amazing car to drive and the staff at KIA Motors and McElligotts Tralee always looked after me so well. Thanks to Sean Taaffe and to Kerry County Council for looking after us all so well during the Festival. I would like to say a special thank you to Dáithí Ó Sé for making all of us Roses feel so comfortable on stage and to RTÉ for their fantastic coverage of the Festival. Throughout the year I stayed on many occasions in both the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth and The Rose Hotel in Tralee. I am so grateful for their fantastic hospitality. I was blown away by the countless number of volunteers in Tralee and I would just like to express my complete gratitude to you all.

The Festival would not be possible without all of your hard work and dedication.

Judging at the Primary School Science Fair

I would like to say a very special thank you to my amazing family for their endless support this year.

My Mam, Mary and Dad, Declan are two extremely kind hearted, generous and selfless people I am lucky enough to call my parents. Thank you both for supporting me in anything I ever do and for being with me on every step of my journey as the Rose of Tralee. Thanks to my brother Terry and sisters Lorraine and Linda for always supporting me and always being there for advice. To my boyfriend, Dara Jones, thank you for being the most patient, kind and caring gentleman and for always making me laugh and staying by my side through every event I attended this year. To all my aunties, uncles and cousins who have been the best family in the world at supporting any Rose, I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family in my life. To all my friends, work colleagues and to the Western GP scheme who have supported me all year.

To the exceptional Festival Team, thank you so much for all your incredible dedication and support.

Valerie, you are the most genuine, hardworking and compassionate person I have ever met and no words I use could ever do you justice. You are the Wonder Woman of Tralee! To Anthony and Oonagh O’Gara it has been my pleasure to get to know you both and thanks for treating me like one of your own all year. To Steve, we have been on so many journeys together and had so many laughs along the way, thanks for all the incredible memories.

To Rebecca, thanks for all the support and all your excellent social media skills. To John Drummey, thanks for all your hard work, all your advice and for all the fun. I have been blown away by the kindness in the Rose of Tralee International Festival which will stay with me for a lifetime.

Taking part in the Darkness Into Light Walk in Melbourne

Above: A Rose Reunion at the Friends of A Ball last October Right: Revving up in a JCB during my tour of Ulster

Left: One of my first photographs in the Rose Hotel the day after winning the Rose of Tralee

Finally, I would like to wish the 2018 Roses, Rose Escorts and Rose Buds the very best of luck this year.

You have already done yourselves, your families, your communities and your Rose Centres extremely proud. All that is left for you to do is make lots of friends, celebrate your pride in your Irish heritage and enjoy the magical, life changing experience that is the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

Once again, I would just like to thank everyone who made my year so spectacular, you certainly know how to make a girl from a rural community in Co. Offaly feel very, very special.

Jennifer xx

Left: Launching the Search for the 2018 Rose of Tralee in Galway with Daithi A coaching session with some young soccer enthusiasts

“Do you wanna build a Snow Rose?”

My amazing visit to Kolkata with The HOPE Foundation

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That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer...

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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Alice

twinned with Ohio

Caoimhe

twinned with Waterford

Emily

twinned with

Antrim

Íosa

twinned with Melbourne

Katie

twinned with Abu

Dhabi

Amelie

twinned with Luxembourg

Ciara twinned with

South Australia

Emma

twinned with Roscommon

Isabel

twinned with Perth

Katie

twinned with Monaghan

Aobha

twinned with San

Francisco

Cliodhna twinned with

Newfoundland & Labrador

Farrah

twinned with Kilkenny

Isla

twinned with Wicklow

Kaylah

twinned with Limerick

Aoife

twinned with Carlow

Clodagh

twinned with Florida

Faye

twinned with Longford

Izzie

twinned with Arizona

Keeley

twinned with New

York

Aoife

twinned with London

Clodagh

twinned with Kerry

Grace

twinned with Tipperary

Jessica

twinned with Philadelphia

Lauren

twinned with Tyrone

Ava

twinned with Galway

Daisy

twinned with Derry

Hazel

twinned with New

Zealand

Karen

twinned with Dublin

Leah

twinned with Laois

Caitlin

twinned with Texas

Edel twinned with

Washington D.C.

Hillary

twinned with Clare

Katelyn

twinned with Leitrim

Leanne

twinned with Toronto

Once upon a time, there were 57 girls who dreamt of becoming a Rose...

Each of our 57 Rose Buds will be twinned with a Rose, take part in two parades, attend an exclusive Rose Bud Party with the Roses and much more during the week-long Festival.

Audiology Medical Services, Ireland’s leading independent Audiology Company, providing expert and comprehensive child-centred and family-friendly diagnostic audiological assessment of infants, children and adolescents is the proud sponsor of this year’s Rose Buds.

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Barretstown Camp will once again receive a percentage of the Rose Buds’ entry fee.

Rose Buds 2017

Lucy

twinned with Yorkshire

Paige

twinned with Mayo

Sarah

twinned with Meath

Ria

twinned with Louth

Sarah

twinned with Westmeath

Roisin twinned with North Carolina

Sophia

twinned with Germany

Lia

twinned with Kildare

Maisey-Kate twinned with Chicago

Rose

twinned with Offaly

Sophie

twinned with Dubai

Maria

twinned with Wexford

Ruby

twinned with Down

Sorcha

twinned with Cavan

Lia

twinned with Sligo

Millie

twinned with Cork

Sadhbhtwinned with

Newcastle/Gateshead

Tara

twinned with Sydney

Lilly

twinned with Donegal

Orlaith

twinned with Kentucky

Sarah twinned with

Boston & New England

Zara

twinned with Queensland

Check out our Rose of Tralee App for all the latest news on this year’s Festival.

Buy tickets, meet the Roses and Rose Escorts, Apply to be a Rose and much more!

roseoftralee.ie Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Oh no, `twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning...

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

ary O’Connor lived in the middle of Tralee town, in Brogue Lane,which took its name from the broguemakers (or shoemakers) who lived and worked there. Mary lived in a thatched cabin with her parents, sisters Brigid and Ellen and younger brother Willie. Her father was a broguemaker, and her mother worked as a dairymaid. Mary was very beautiful; she had long dark hair and soft, shining eyes.

Her status as the daughter of a broguemaker and dairymaid meant Mary was destined for work as a maid or house-help. When she was 17 she secured employment as a kitchen maid for the Mulchinock household in Tralee.

The Mulchinocks were a wealthy family of merchants who owned a wool and linen draper’s shop on the site of what is now Heaton’s department store in Tralee.

William had been held responsible. William’s friend informed him there was a warrant out for his arrest and a reward of 100 gold sovereigns for finding him.

He was told to make for Barrow Harbour and get It wasn’t long before William met his sister’s on a wine ship that was leaving that night. William new nursemaid. As soon as he saw Mary he was kissed Mary goodbye and told her he would return transfixed by her eyes, her grace, her long dark hair soon.

William made his way to India where he worked as and delicate skin.

Mary and William began to meet each other every a war correspondent. Here he met an officer from day by the well in the grounds of West Villa, that Limerick who asked William what had bought him looked out over the sea and mountains. Sometimes to India. When William told him the officer said he they walked down Lover’s Lane or up to Clahane would use his influence to get William returned to Ireland, and to Tralee, a free man. to dance.

For him of the fair young brow I weep, Who takes in the churchyard now his sleep; For he was the star above sun-bright, That tinged with the light of love my night.

One night beneath the pale, silvery moon William asked Mary to marry him. However,William’s family disapproved of him seeing Mary, the broguemaker’s daughter who lived in a small peasant house in the middle of town. Whilst Mary loved William, she knew that their union could never be, as it would force him to turn his back on his family and he would begin to regret the day he’d ever met her.

She declined his offer of marriage.

Michael Mulchinock had married Margaret McCann and they lived in the grand Mulchinock house, West Villa. The family owned a considerable amount of land around the house and the neighbourhood, as well as property in town. They had servants, William refused to give up. He wrote a song for coachmen, gardeners and farmhands.

Mary to try and convince her otherwise.

Michael died of a fever in 1828, so Margaret The pale moon was rising above the green mountains, Mulchinock was head of the household when Mary The sun was declining beneath the blue sea, O’Connor started working in the kitchens of West When I strayed with my love Villa. Also living in the house were Margaret’s sons by the pure crystal fountain, William Pembroke, Edward, Henry and her married That stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee. daughter Maria.

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer, Mary O’Connor was delighted to be given Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me. employment at West Villa, and soon Margaret’s Oh no, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning daughter, Maria, seeing that Mary was intelligent and That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee. kind to her children asked her to be maid to her daughters Anne and Margaret.

But Mary still refused to marry him.

Margaret Mulchinock’s sons had grown to be young men and William was becoming a dreamer. In the eyes of his family he was good-for-nothing, and even worse: a poet.

In November 1840 Henry, William’s younger brother, died. William was inconsolable as he was closer to William than his more practical brother Edward. He wrote a poem about his feelings:

So in 1849, some six years after leaving Tralee, William returned. He stopped off at The Kings Arms in Rock Street for a drink before planning to visit Mary in nearby Brogue Lane. The landlord began to draw the curtains to mark the passing of a funeral coming down the street. On enquiring who the funeral was for, William was told it was for a local girl from Brogue Lane, a lovely and fair young woman named Mary O’Connor - the Rose of Tralee.

William was devastated and his heart broken.There was nothing left for him but to visit Mary’s grave on the outskirts of town. The famine was at its height in Ireland at this time and most of the country’s eight million inhabitants were trying to survive on a diet of potatoes alone.

William never got over Mary’s death, and despite marrying and having children with an old flame he refused to forget her.

William moved with his family to New York in 1849 but returned alone six years later to Tralee and lived the rest of his life in Ashe Street. He died in 1864 at the age of 44 and at his request was buried The next evening, after attending a political rally at the graveyard in Clogherbrien next to his true in town, William went to visit Mary at West Villa love Mary, the Rose of Tralee. and gave her a ring which he placed on her finger.

Suddenly the door burst open and a friend of You can visit Mary O’Connor’s grave at the William’s rushed in to inform him that William had graveyard in Clogherbrien by taking the been accused of the murder of a man at the rally. Fenit road out of Tralee and the graveyard Two men had got into a fight and as leader of one of is on the right hand side. the rebel groups challenging the upcoming election,

Song Lyrics The pale moon was rising above the green mountains, The sun was declining beneath the blue sea, When I strayed with my love by the pure crystal fountain, That stands in the beautiful Vale of Tralee.

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer, Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Oh no, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer, Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Oh no, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

In the far fields of India ‘mid war’s dreadful thunders, Her voice was solace and comfort to me.

But the chill hand of death has now rent us asunder, I’m lonely tonight for the Rose of Tralee.

The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading, And Mary all smiling was listening to me.

The moon through the valley her pale rays was shedding, When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee.

She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer, Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Oh no, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

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She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer...

Meet Roses

I N T E R N AT I O N A L R O S E S 2 0 1 8

the

Abu Dhabi

Sara Kate Mangan

I am 26 now, and at 18 I moved to Liverpool to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. After three fun filled years living in the city of The Beatles, a leap of faith took me even further afield from my humble Mayo roots to Abu Dhabi. I am a dedicated and caring nurse working in the state of the art Cleveland Clinic providing exceptional medical care to the local Emirati people. My love for travel has taken me from Achil to Agra and Laken to Lebanon. Come September I can be found teaching local Emiratis to say “Mayo for Sam”...just don’t mention the curse.

ANTRIM

ArIZONA

I’m 23 and live in Portglenone. I come from a big family who all play Irish music! I graduated last summer from Queen’s University Belfast, with a BA (Hons) degree in Drama. Since then I decided to start my own drama business called Dramability which is a non-competitive confidence building drama class for children. I also teach Traditional Irish Music lessons in Tin Whistle, Flute and Harp. I am a very active person and love to keep myself busy. I’m a thrill seeker and love spending time dangling from the high ropes course or rolling downhill in a Zorb ball!

I graduated with honours from Arizona State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design & Production with Dance and Music minors. I’m 25 and proud to work in the heart of the Arizona Celtic community: the Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library. My passion to promote Celtic culture and to build a strong young Irish network has led me to become the President of the Friends of Saint Patrick Arizona Chapter, row on Currach Team Phoenix, and dance with the Michael Patrick Gallagher School of Irish Dance. I have dreamed of being a Rose since I was twelve years old!

Boston & New England

Carlow

I am 27 and while I currently live and work in Boston, I am London Irish at heart. My mother and father are both from Ballyduff, Co. Kerry. I grew up in London spending every Christmas and summer back in Kerry. I work as a political and advocacy director where I manage client relationships for a host of the most influential political, brand, and non-profit organizations around the globe.

Irish dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ll take advantage of any opportunity to bust out the heavy shoes, be it a polka set with my nan or a hornpipe with my sister.

I am 24 years old, from Carlow town and I live with my partner John and our beautiful daughter Emmy. In 2014​​I studied Year 1 of Beauty Therapy in CIFE. In 2015, I completed a TEFL course which assisted me to educate business entrepreneurs with pronunciation and everyday communication. I currently work in Boylesports bookmakers as deputy manager.​​I was a member of Carlow Rowing Club and rowed all over Ireland and Wales attending regattas. I’m pretty nifty at DIY and I can function surprisingly well with little or no sleep, babies give you that superpower! I am a strong advocate for breastfeeding and providing information to parents.

Cavan

Chicago

I am 26 and from Killinkere, Co. Cavan. My mother is from Kerry, my father is from Cavan and I have two younger brothers. I qualified as a general nurse from Dundalk Institute of Technology in 2014 and worked in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, Co. Louth before heading off to Australia for a year. I worked in a cancer centre in Melbourne and travelled around the beautiful country. I am currently working in the Galway Clinic specialising in Oncology and Palliative care. My job is my passion. I have played Gaelic football from the age of 10, and received player of the year in 2011.

Greetings from the Windy City! My parents are both proud Irish Americans who have raised my three brothers and me with the same, strong sense of pride in our Irish roots. My family’s heritage influenced me throughout my involvement in Irish film, music, dance, and theatre. I am currently the business development manager for weekend student adventures, a travel organization dedicated to assisting students studying abroad in Europe. Last August, I attended the Rose of Tralee International Festival as a volunteer and saw first-hand the remarkable celebration of our Irish heritage that touches every corner of the globe. I am so excited to be returning as the Chicago Rose.

Clare

CORK

I am 25 years of age. I am currently teaching Physical Education and SPHE. My journey in becoming a teacher began in Tralee where I completed my undergraduate degree in Health and Leisure. I continued my studies in the University of Limerick where I completed a Professional Masters of Education in Physical Education. Set dancing is a big passion of mine. I have been grateful to represent my county, province and Ireland on numerous occasions.

I am actively involved in my community in various charity events, in particular a family-run Tractor Run in Knock which has been successful for the past 10 years, aiding many different organisations.

Born and raised in the beautiful village of Aghabullogue, Co. Cork, I am honoured to be representing the Rebel County! At 25 years young, I am a qualified children’s and general nurse, currently working in Cork University Hospital.

Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than helping people overcome illness and return to good health. Away from the busy wards, camogie is a real passion of mine and I enjoy both playing and coaching underage teams. I take great pride in seeing the young girls developing their camogie skills on the fields, and their interpersonal skills off the pitch. Singing is another passion of mine.

RÓISÍN McCLOSKEY

SORCHA ROCHFORD

RACHEL CUSACK

CLARA BURKE

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Full biographies can be read at www.roseoftralee.ie or by downloading the Rose of Tralee app

Kelsey Kelleher

SHAUNA RAY LACEY

KATIE CALLAHAN

ERINN O’CONNELL

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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DERRY

Donegal

I am 21 and from a small community called Slaughtneil, just outside Maghera in County Derry. I am going into my final year of university studying Cardiac Physiology at the Ulster University in Jordanstown. I’m the ‘baby’ of the house with two older brothers and two older sisters. One of my main passions in life is raising money for charity, in particular for cancer charities. I feel like it’s important to give back to those who have helped you in the past. When my father became ill with cancer in 2002, as a family we received so much help and support from cancer charities.

I’m 21 and I’ve just completed my third year in NUIG, studying Irish, Psychology and Performing Arts. I’m based in Galway throughout the academic year but I call Tory Island my home.

Growing up on a Gaeltacht island instilled a love of Irish culture in me. I am a fluent Irish speaker and singer. I’ve been singing since I was four. My joy in life is my friends and family.

I love meeting new people. I love to travel and experience different cultures. I adore children and have a passion for helping people and standing up for others. I am passionate about positive mental health, self-acceptance and self-belief.

Down

Dubai

I live in Cabra – a small townland nestled in the Mourne Mountains. I am 24 and the eldest of four.

I graduated in 2015 from Queen’s University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I decided to further my studies at Queens and completed a Masters degree in Atypical Child Development in 2016. During my studies I took up a part time post with Autism Initiatives, Newcastle, working as a support worker and I am now with them full time.

In my spare time I am the PRO at my local GAA club Clonduff which keeps me on my toes. I have recently developed a club app which has taken Clonduff into the modern era of technology!

Raised in the Faithful County of Offaly, I studied Media & Gaeilge in Mary Immaculate College, where I returned to become a teacher, graduating in 2015. In 2012, as I studied Media and Theatre in Chicago, I knew I was destined to become a student of the world. I have followed my heart’s desire and now teach in Dubai. Meeting local Emirati people and seeing the ways they are similar to the Irish, with their generosity and easy nature, has been wonderful. A published writer, and creative writing workshop leader, I adore igniting my creative flair, as previously enjoyed in theatrical productions. I’m 26 and humbled to represent Dubai.

Dublin

florida

I’m 26 years old and from Tallaght. I graduated from DCU with a BSc honours degree in PE with Biology in 2014. I am excited to start working in Kingswood Community College as a Science and PE teacher come September. I recently qualified as a Zumba instructor and intend to hold Zumba classes in the school. Dance is one of my biggest passions. In 2008, I represented Ireland in the World Championships of Performing Arts final in L.A. where I won a gold, two silver and a bronze medal. Animal welfare is important to me. I volunteer as often as I can mainly helping out with fundraising events.

Hello Ireland! I’m 24 years old and absolutely elated to be your Florida Rose! I was born in Dublin and grew up on a lovely little farm in Kildare where I have the most wonderful memories of my childhood in Ireland. I used to happily muck through the fields training horses with my dad and assisted my mammy at her salon in Monasterevin by giving hand massages to her clients! We moved to the Sunshine State in 2004 to Ocala, and in 2008 we became Sister Cities with Newbridge, what luck! Currently, I am a vocal student at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

galway

germany

Dia Duit ó Chontae na Gaillimhe! Growing up, we spent our summers in Tralee. As my grandparents lived on Denny Street, we always felt we were more than just at the Festival – we felt we were part of the Festival. To be returning this year representing my county is a dream come true for myself, and my family. Home is Luimnagh, a small village on the edge of Lough Corrib. I am 24 years old and currently live in Dublin. I work as a primary school teacher in Harold’s Cross. I am passionate about health and have been a regular volunteer with Croí since 2009.

I am half-Irish on my father’s side and German on my mother’s side. I am 22 years old and currently live in Kiel, studying Law in my second year.

My life has been influenced by the privilege of experiencing both Irish and German life and culture. Being a part of the Rose of Tralee Festival gives me the chance to be an ambassador of both countries and to express how wonderful it is to be half-Irish. Being this year’s Germany Rose also gives me the opportunity to honour my Irish grandmother Patricia, who unfortunately passed away in 2016. She always strengthened and encouraged me in what I’ve been doing.

kentucky

kerry

I’m 25 years old, and live in Louisville. I was born in Mayo, and at age 17, after attending Cloggernagh N.S. and the Sacred Heart School in Westport, left Islandeady to study Applied Languages at UL. From then on I travelled and moved around - a lot. I’ve been lucky to visit over 50 countries. In January 2016, I returned home to start the job at Portwest that would bring me to Kentucky in August 2016, as part of the Enterprise Ireland G4IG program. I am now the Operations Manager at Portwest USA. Thankfully Kentucky has become a home away from home (just with better weather).

I am honoured to be representing the Kingdom in the Rose of Tralee Festival! I was born in Foilmore, a parish just outside Cahersiveen. At the age of 25, I am a qualified social care worker and am currently working as a Dementia activities facilitator in St Luke’s Home, Cork. I have recently completed a postgraduate certificate in ‘Ways of Understanding Dementia and Dementia Care’ with Trinity College Dublin. I love my job and I am passionate in supporting people with dementia and their families through their journey. My love of travel and new experiences has brought me to countries Australia, Canada, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and America.

Émer mckenna

Ciara Kelly

TANYA FEIGHERY

deirdre o’sullivan

LORRAINE GAVIN

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NIAMH DUGGAN

REBECCA EGAN

victoria sexton

GIULIA KEARNEY

CELINE O’SHEA

Full biographies can be read at www.roseoftralee.ie or by downloading the Rose of Tralee app

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kildare

kilkenny

I’m 23 and grew up in Ardclough village where the current Kildare County hurling champions hail from. I am the youngest in my family with two older brothers and my parents, Evan and Angela. I graduated from Maynooth University last September with a First Class Honours Law Degree and I have since completed the entrance exams to the Law Society. I currently work for Compton Solicitors and I will begin my training as a solicitor with William Fry next year. Debating and public speaking are my passion, and I was fortunate to captain my debating team to win the Concern All Ireland Debating League. I have a grá for Irish dancing.

Born and bred in the medieval capital, I’m 26 years old and since 2010 I’ve been based in the beautiful village of Kells. During the week I work as a buying assistant in Brown Thomas head office, and home to Kilkenny every weekend.

I’m completing a Masters in Fashion Buying and Management part-time in DIT, having previously won the DIT Arthur Ryan Gold Medal in 2016, coming first in my postgraduate diploma class. I love music, I play celtic-style piano and sing as an alto in the Brown Thomas choir. I love spending time with my Kerry-born granny and my fabulous mammy, both of whom inspire me with their strength of character - and their love of clothes!

laois

leitrim

I am 23 years of age and I live in the great townsland of Cardtown at the foot of The Slieve Bloom Mountains. I knew I wanted a career in farming so I got my place in Gurteen Agricultural College studying the beef and sheep side of things. I now work for Noel and Breda Dooley on their dairy farm, milking cows and doing general farm work. I‘ve always had a love for farming and animals, my world revolves around both. I am the proud aunty of the most amazing little boy Frankie.

He was born in 2015 with Spina Bifida and he has just been an absolute inspiration to us all.

I’m 26 and originally from a small village called Loughglynn, Co Roscommon. I have very fond memories of playing GAA with my two brothers Brendan and Christopher and my only sister AnnMarie for our local club. I completed a Bsc in Marketing with PR & Event Management in Sligo IT. I am currently working in The Landmark Hotel in Carrick on Shannon as the Wedding Sales Manager.

This is my absolute dream job! Something I am really passionate about, and I always have faith in, is that positivity is key! My vision as the Leitrim Rose is to inspire young women to have confidence and belief in themselves!

limerick

LONDON

I am a 23 year old physiotherapist currently working at University Hospital Limerick. A proud Gaeilgeoir, I attended Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh and then went on to study Physiotherapy at the University of Limerick. I have a particular interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and have been fortunate to have a recent piece of research in this area published. With a background in competitive indoor and open water swimming, I represented the University of Limerick at both intervarsities and the Irish Open Championships.

From a young age, I have been an avid Munster rugby supporter and I enjoy the atmosphere of Thomond Park on matchday.

I am 26 and work for a global corporate law firm in the City of London. As a lifeguard in the National Aquatic Centre throughout school and university, I have been responsible for the lives of US Synchronised Swimming, New Zealand Rugby and Dublin Football teams. I spent my first three weeks as a qualified solicitor working in a refugee camp with European lawyers in Lesvos. I enjoy spending time with my family and we travel to Lourdes as volunteers every year with my 98 year old grandmother. I enjoy supporting my parents’ native Tipperary and Limerick and have played in the European GAA Championships and the Asian Gaelic Games.

LONGFORD

LOUTH

I am 22 and recently qualified as a Primary School Teacher. I love travelling and I have been extremely fortunate to have seen parts of the world from a young age - but there’s plenty left to see! My hobbies include football, drama, singing and dancing. I completed all grades and performed both nationally and internationally with the touring company ‘Shawbrook Youth Dance’. I have played for my local GAA club Mostrim Ladies and as a young girl I played soccer, representing both my town and county. My late grandfather always said I would make a perfect Rose, so I’m delighted to be partaking in the Festival this year in his honour.

I am 27 years old and a true “Louth girl” with a parent from each of the two main Louth towns of Dundalk and Drogheda. I was born and raised in Dundalk and work as a Speech and Language Therapist in Drogheda. I work between a health centre and a specific language unit in a local primary school. My role involves working with children with a range of speech, language and communication needs. I love to run and I am an active member of my local running club - North East Runners Athletics Club. Running has always been a big part of my family life, with my parents being lifelong athletes.

LUXEMBOURG

MAYO

I’m 26 years old and I am delighted to be the 2018 Luxembourg Rose. I was born in Dublin and lived in Wicklow and Meath before moving “Wesht” to Galway. I had always planned to move abroad once I completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree and diploma in French at NUI Galway. So, with my two dogs in tow, I moved to the beautiful “Grand Duchy” in 2014 and it has been my home away from home ever since.

I work as a financial auditor with Ernst & Young where I am also involved with our Irish graduate recruitment initiative. I am a qualified emergency first responder and rescue scuba diver.

I am a 24 year old Accounts Assistant from a small village called Carnacon in Mayo, and I am living and working in Galway City as an accounts assistant. I hope to start my professional accounting exams soon and become a fully qualified accountant. I am the youngest of four and have one nephew who is the apple of my eye. My family are huge supporters of our local club, Ballintubber and County Mayo GAA. I am a huge follower of the country music scene and most weekends I will be found at a social dance.

My aim for the year is to promote mental health awareness and to make some lifelong friends.

GRÁINNE CARR

GRÁINNE HOGAN

Hazel Ní Chathasaigh

LOREN LOGAN

Amber Crean

Full biographies can be read at www.roseoftralee.ie or by downloading the Rose of Tralee app

HELENA HUGHES

IMELDA SCALLY

GRÁINNE HAWKES

ANNMARIE DUFFY

RACHEL GIBBONS

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MEATH

MELBOURNE

I am 23 and come from Skryne, a rural parish where GAA takes centre stage and the hill of Tara is a stone’s throw away. I am in my third year of a BSc in General Nursing in DCU. Most of my training is completed in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, one of the busiest hospitals in the country. I wish to pursue a Masters and become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner specializing in cardiac care. I have played football and ran for Meath, and have two Leinster athletics medals in the 800m. I have a passion for music and have a particular love of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Simon and Garfunkel - golden oldies!

I was born in Boston on Valentine’s Day 27 years ago and my parents always thought I was destined to be a ‘Rose’. We moved to Ireland when I was four. Dad was born in New York but grew up in Cork where he met my mom, a Cork native. I grew up in Dublin and Cork completing my Nursing Degree at UCC. I began Nursing in the Mercy Hospital Cork, before heading off to Melbourne three years ago with a group of friends. My sport is basketball, I play for a local Melbourne team and represented Cork at underage level. Travel is my passion and I help out at organised clean-ups at St Kilda beach.

MONAGHAN

NEW YORK

I am 24 and proud to be from a small parish called Aughnamullen East in the middle of Monaghan. I have two older brothers, who sometimes act more like bouncers and it’s safe to say I’m a daddy’s girl. I am in my final year of Adult Nursing in Queens University, Belfast, and will soon qualify as a Registered Nurse, following in the footsteps of my mum. I believe in positive body image regardless of shape or size; fitness and health are extremely important to me on both a personal and professional level, especially in an era where young women can be fixated on their perception of the ideal body rather than health and wellbeing.

I’m a 22 year old born and raised New Yorker!

I grew up in the Hudson Valley, about an hour north of NYC. My father hails from Brooklyn, raised by proud Co. Donegal and Co. Monaghan native parents. My mom grew up in Waterford City, and moved to New York to work as a nurse.

I spent every summer of my childhood running around Dunmore East with my sister, brother, and clan of cousins, and it’s still my favorite place in the world. While working as a nursing assistant in a hospital during my summers off, I realized that nursing was my true calling!

NEW ZEALAND

Newcastle / Gateshead

Kia Ora from the New Zealand Rose! I am a 25-year old musculoskeletal physiotherapist reigning from the hills of Donegal. I moved to New Zealand in 2015 after graduating from University College Dublin, and have been exploring the peaks and valleys of the beautiful country ever since I stepped off the plane.

I have settled in Wellington, the “world’s coolest little capital”. I work as a senior physiotherapist with Habit, and I feel very fortunate to have such an engaging and rewarding profession. I am an active member of the Wellington GAA. Being part of the Rose of Tralee has been a real character-building and fun experience so far.

I am 20 and live in the beautiful south east coast of Scotland. Since leaving school in 2015, I took a risk and followed my dream to become a classical singer. My passion for singing has given me many life changing opportunities, such as appearing on The Voice UK 2017 and representing the UK at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to support charitable events, most recently attending the “Art-football” campaign in Russia. Its aim is to raise funds guaranteeing treatment of seriously ill children. My mum is a proud Cork woman and I have many happy memories of family visits to my large extended family in Cork City.

Newfoundland & Labrador

North Carolina

Saoirse McGrath

Hannah Mooney

JOLENE McLAUGHLIN

SARAH WARD

ciara harvie

HANNAH VIRGA

BRIDGETTE ABBOTT

I can’t wait to head to Ireland to celebrate my heritage - which originates from County Kilkenny, Wexford and North Tipperary from both the Cuff and Butler families. I am a native of Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland & Labrador, where I was raised as the youngest of eight children. I am a 27 year old Special Education Teacher, and am heading into a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies. I am an avid volunteer, and am involved with numerous nonprofit organizations and charities. I have a heart for travel, and have visited fourteen different countries.

I love being able to help mould young minds, inspire, and watch the students learn and grow.

I am a 25-year graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Quantitative Economics and decided to further my education and obtain my Master’s in Business and Human Resources from the University of Richmond. If I could be a career student, I most definitely would! I love learning and enjoyed every second of college! I currently work at Capital One Bank as a fraud analyst and love it! I am a coffee connoisseur and would love to open and run my own coffee shop one day. My mother was born and raised in Ireland and moved to the United States when she met my father, a true Romeo and Juliet story.

offaly

ohio

I am 20 years old, born and bred in Tullamore, County Offaly, and currently studying Primary School Teaching in Mary Immaculate College Limerick, going into third year come September.

My life mostly centres around my family, friends and GAA. I play Camogie and Gaelic football for my club and I also play with Offaly Ladies Football team. I am very lucky to play alongside two of my three sisters at club and county level. To relax, I love sitting down with popcorn and watching a good film or reading a good book. Overall I would say I am a happy and positive person who looks out for others and tries to make the best of life!

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and celebrities like Tom Hanks and Lebron James. I live in Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, where I am a first-year master’s student. I am 22, studying SpeechLanguage Pathology at The Ohio State University, and hope to work with adults in an acute care hospital setting, specializing in stroke and traumatic brain injury. My maternal grandparents Sean and Agnes (McGrath) Fox, hail from Cong, Co. Mayo, and paternal grandparents Bob and Grace (Toolis) Stefancin from Achill. One of my favorite traditions growing up has been participating in Cleveland’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest in Ohio with a 176-year tradition.

Katie Kehoe

20

Suzie Jackson

erin stefancin

Full biographies can be read at www.roseoftralee.ie or by downloading the Rose of Tralee app

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perth

Philadelphia

G’day from down under, I am 25 years young and originally from the beautiful hills of Donegal. Since moving to sunny Perth I have gained invaluable learning and development opportunities. I am privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to nurse in Oncology and Palliative Care which has opened my eyes as to how precious each life is and how vital it is for us to enjoy each day to the full. I enjoy the relaxed lifestyle in Perth, I am living by the beach nestled beside a small town called Fremantle which has a very rich Irish history.

I am looking forward to seeing my family in August and meeting all of the other Roses.

I am 22 and a senior studying Communications at Temple University, but I have been spending this summer interning at a casting agency in New York City. I am a passionate traveler and have been fortunate to have lived in five different cities in the past five years. I enjoy cooking, photography, acting, and spending time with family and friends. In my spare time I help run a non-profit organization that I co-founded in honor of my beautiful sister, Jordan. “Jordy’s Cause” raises funds to help sick children and their families in our local community. This August will be my second time visiting Ireland. I can trace my ancestry back to County Mayo and County Tyrone.

queensland

roscommon

I am 27 and have been fortunate to call Manly my home for my entire life. My mum is from Athea in Limerick. My dad also has Irish heritage, his maternal grandparents are from Tyrone and Clare and his paternal grandparents are from Tipperary and Galway. I am a lawyer having graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology. I also hold a Bachelor of Biomedical Science. I have visited Ireland three times, the first when I was only seven years of age and though quite young, I immediately fell in love with the country and people and I have cherished every visit since.

I come from the picturesque village of Rooskey in County Roscommon along the banks of the Shannon. I am 27 years old and music is my great passion in life having graduated from Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama with a Bachelors degree in Music with Performance in 2015. My brother and I established the Roscommon Solstice Choir of which I am musical director. There are 150 members and together we have won prestigious awards nationally and internationally for our work within the community and contribution to voluntary arts. My wish is to continue to help develop and instil confidence within young people and showcase and nurture their skills, especially in rural Ireland.

san francisco

sligo

I am 26 and I am from San Francisco, California.

My faith, family, friends, and Irish heritage are the most important things in my life. Being Irish is something that I truly cherish. My mother’s grandparents immigrated to San Francisco from Castleisland in Kerry, and my father’s grandparents immigrated to New York from Lismore in Waterford.

I am from a big, Irish Catholic family, with three brothers and four sisters. I grew up Irish Step Dancing with my four sisters for Greene Academy of Irish Dance. At almost every family gathering, we play instruments, tell stories, sing and dance in the typical fashion of The Old Country. I also played volleyball throughout my college career.

I am 27, raised on a farm, alongside my brothers, and a nature lover with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. I enjoy hiking in my free time and Sligo is the perfect place to get out and explore the mountains. I always wanted to work with children and I am proud to say that I am a passionate primary school teacher in Malahide, Dublin. This year I am taking a career break and I am delighted to use this opportunity to pursue my dream of illustrating a children’s story that I have written, and ultimately publishing my first book. I am a creative lady who loves drawing, painting and poster design too!

south australia

sydney

I’m 25 years old and from Adelaide. My Irish ancestry originates from Newry, County Down where my great grandparents Patrick and Bridget Larkin resided. My family has always held our Irish heritage in high regard, in particular our love of Irish dance. My grandmother participated in the Irish dancing community in Adelaide, passing on her love to her daughters who then opened up their own studio, ‘The Newry Studio of Irish dancing’.

Their love was passed onto me and for the last 21 years I have revelled in everything Irish dance all over Australia and the world, and have recently moved my passion into the art of teaching.

I’m 26 years old and live in Medowie with my fiancé Barry. We have just finished building our dream home, a big shed on 2.5 acres, complete with lazy koalas and kangaroos hopping around the back yard. I work full-time as a Business Development Manager while studying a Bachelor of Primary Education part-time. My Grandmother Mary hails from Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and my late Grandfather Jimmy from Castletownroche, Co. Cork. My mother went on to become the 1980 Sydney Rose. It is a rare privilege to share the same role she did 38 years ago, I am truly blessed to be the Sydney Rose and am excited for what’s to come!

texas

tipperary

Howdy! I am a 22 year old student at Texas A&M University and will be graduating next spring with a Bachelors Degree in Economics.

I plan on starting my own non-profit someday to benefit families of cancer patients both financially and emotionally. Having lost my father after a 13-year battle with cancer it is a passion near and dear to my heart. I am working as a bartender at the local Irish pub, O’Bannon’s Tap house where I meet people from all walks of life and I have created many new friendships while being able to enjoy Irish music and culture every day. My Irish roots come from my father’s mother through Co. Donegal.

The eldest of three fanatical Tipperary supporters, I am 26 years old and from Clonmel.

I attended UCC where I graduated with a degree in Pharmacy and then completed my Masters in the RCSI in Dublin. I currently work for Pfizer in Kildare making medicines for patients all over the world. When I get some free time I head for the hills, or the coast, or anywhere outside in nature.

We have some of the best scenery in the world here in Ireland and I never get tired of embarking on adventures to discover it. I love playing tennis and proudly represent my local club in leagues and competition events throughout the summer.

Laura Cannon

SARAH GRIFFIN-BREEN

Annie Powers

EMILIE HELBIG

KIMBERLY CORSER

Full biographies can be read at www.roseoftralee.ie or by downloading the Rose of Tralee app

katie keenan

Eimear Reynolds

julie patterson

CAITLIN MACINANTE

LAURA DURKAN

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toronto

tyrone

I am 25 years old. My parents are native Irish who emigrated to Toronto in the late 80s. When I was two, we moved back to Cooley, Co. Louth. Having the shore at my doorstep and a quad to hop on in the evening was my ideal way of growing up! In 2014, I received my Bachelor of Arts International Honours Degree from the National University of Maynooth. Shortly after I graduated, I decided to follow in my parent’s footsteps and call Toronto home, again. I work within the financial services industry in Investor Relations at Citco (Canada) Inc. I train and compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, to say I am passionate about it would be an understatement!

I’m 22 and live in the townland of Stewartstown, County Tyrone, where there is a rich community ethos that is very proud of their Irish heritage. I graduated in July 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Queen’s University, Belfast and currently work as a peripatetic music teacher and performer, working alongside music companies such as ‘Live Music Now’ helping others with the power of music through performance. As well as my love for classical music, I also have a great affection for Irish traditional music and have recently taken up playing the banjo. I always admired my late father playing this beautiful instrument and wanted to keep the family tradition going.

washington d.c.

waterford

Hello from the capital of the United States! I am 26 years old and currently work as an analyst for the Department of Justice where I look at various crimes for trends and patterns. I’m looking to attend graduate school next fall and continue my career in law enforcement. Before starting work, I received my undergraduate degrees from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

I studied Psychology and Sociology with my concentration being in criminal justice. While attending college, I was a collegiate rower. Being a rower taught me various life lessons that I still use in my career today! My family actually still does various running races throughout the year together.

I am a 21 year old who loves singing and I sing with the island of Ireland Peace Choir which was formed in the wake of The Omagh bombing Co. Tyrone 1998. We have performed together in The Garden of Remembrance, The Aviva Stadium, Stormont and many other fantastic places. I also gig with my friend Calum in my spare time just for fun. I have such a big love for animals, especially horses and dogs and in the future I hope to own many horses, dogs maybe even some sheep and goats too!

In September I look forward to attending Waterford Institute of Technology to study Multimedia and Application Development.

westmeath

wexford

I am originally from Coralstown but currently reside in Newmarket on Fergus “The Rose Village” in Co. Clare. I turned 25 this summer and am the eldest of five siblings. With an interest in people and behaviours, I studied BSc Psychology at the University of Limerick and graduated in 2016 before moving to Dublin to work in Management Consulting at Accenture, Ireland. I qualified as a fitness instructor and personal trainer and decided to return to UL to further my studies. I’m very excited to be working with Munster Rugby for my thesis.

With a flair for public speaking and powerlifting, I hope to lift some spirits at this year’s Festival.

I’m a 27 year old who studied for my BA in Music and History of Art at University College Dublin and in 2012, followed my dream of moving to London to complete my Masters Degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. I now work as a Marketing Executive for Collier Webb who specialise in restoration and historical interiors. Music is one of my great loves and I was the recipient of the National Excellence Award for Music Performance. I am passionate about volunteering with charitable organisations and am currently involved with the Irish Heritage Association and Plan Ireland. I first visited the Rose of Tralee Festival when I was three months old.

wicklow

yorkshire

I am 22 and living in a small village in the sunny South East county of Wicklow called Tinahely, where I was born and raised. I studied Gaeilge and Geography as my undergraduate degree in St. Patrick’s College in Drumcondra. I have just completed the Professional Masters of Education with Hibernia College to qualify as a primary school teacher. I have just been offered my first full-time job for September! My hobbies include playing the piano, GAA, working with children and travelling.

I’ve travelled to many different places around the world but the highlight was travelling to Uganda in 2015 to work as a primary school teacher and a short road trip around America last summer.

I’m 20 and originally from Ballybofey, Co. Donegal.

In 2016 I moved to York to pursue my dream of becoming an occupational therapist at York St John University. I am now in my second year of the course. I also work part time in a neurological rehabilitation centre to further my knowledge and experience. I am an avid Gaelic footballer and upon my move to England joined the Gaelic football club ‘York Éireannach’. I am also vice secretary of the first ever Yorkshire Ladies County Board. The Gaelic team has developed a close knit community of people from Ireland, people with Irish heritage and even people with no Irish connection who enjoy the sense of community.

carly mcgrath

michelle karkos

leanne quinn

lorna mallick

Ellen Campbell

KIRSTEN MATE MAHER

Saoirse Walsh

Alana Gallagher

Full biographies can be read at www.roseoftralee.ie or by downloading the Rose of Tralee app

Check out our

Rose of Tralee App

for all the latest news on this year’s Festival 22

Buy tickets, meet the Roses and Rose Escorts, Apply to be a Rose and much more!

Mary Kennedy

John Fitzpatrick

Charlie O’Sullivan

RTÉ

Tipperary Crystal

Kerry County Council

Rose Hotel 1983 Rose of Tralee

Chairperson

We are delighted to welcome 57 Roses to Tralee to enjoy everything that Ireland’s flagship family festival has to offer – parades, gala functions, entertainment, televised Rose selection nights, a Rose Tour and much more. Once again, only 32 Roses can be accommodated in the live TV selections on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st August and this year’s qualifying judging process will take place before the Roses arrive in Tralee. RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy, Chairperson of the Judging Panel for the TV Selection, will announce the names of the 32 qualifiers on Saturday 18th August and details of the line-ups for the Rose of Tralee TV Shows will be confirmed on Sunday 19th August.

Brenda Hyland Beirne

Irish Qualifying Panel

Maria Walsh

Brian Pairceir

Brid McElligott

2014 Rose of Tralee

RTÉ

Institute of Technology Tralee

Panel of judges 2018

International Selection Panel

Overseas Qualifying Panel

1992 Rose of Tralee

Neasa McLaughlin

Chairperson

RTÉ

Niamh Grogan

Ollie Turner Galway Bay FM

Our Host Dáithí Ó Sé RTÉ Televised Selection Host

Dáithí O Sé is the co-presenter of the popular daily RTÉ One show, Today with Maura and Dáithí. This year will mark Dáithí’s outing as the Presenter of The Rose of Tralee. Originally from Dingle in County Kerry, Dáithí studied in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.

Before becoming a weather presenter on TG4, which he did for over 10 years, Dáithí worked as a teacher, a butcher, a ferry driver around the Blasket Islands and even did a short stint as a ringmaster with Duffy’s Circus. Dáithí has a long association with the Rose of Tralee International Festival. He was the Chairperson of the Judging Panel in 2009 when the Festival celebrated its 50th year.

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Oh no, `twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning...

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

2017 Rose Escort of the Year

Thomas Lynch

Being from Kerry, I was always a huge fan of the Festival. I grew up watching the parades, going to the Town Park and enjoying the selections on TV, so when a friend of mine suggested I sign up to be a Rose Escort, it was really a no-brainer. It’s such a fantastic week with so much packed in it’s hard to choose the highlights.

There are three key moments that stick out: 1) Seeing my Rose’s awe at the huge crowd at the Saturday parade; 2) Sitting on the float with Jenny at the Midnight Madness Parade; and 3) Seeing how happy my mother was when I was announced as the Rose Escort of the Year. Why should someone apply? Because it’s such a once in a lifetime, bucket list item!! You meet so many people through the Festival, that the benefit of getting involved isn’t the week-long festival, it’s the year after, and from what I can see from previous Rose Escorts, it’s the years after that too.

Congratulations to our Rose Escorts, the 57 gentlemen who will accompany our Roses during their packed programme of engagements throughout this year’s Festival.

Aidan McCabe

Aidan Ward

Alan Grincell

Prochem Engineering Ltd Wexford Home Preserves Frank Wall Mans Shop

Ancient Wisdom Pain and Skin Relief Golfing With Confidence Matt O’Brien Fashions

Children In Hospital Ireland Magee 1866 From Frank Walls Mans Shop Langton House Hotel

Alan Maguire

Andrew Corrigan

Barry O FiachÁin

Brendan O’Dea

Cian Cooney

Colm Parke

Lake County Landscapes Maguire Hair & Beauty Supplies Manning & Buckley Electrical

Connolly’s Red Mills Brophy Agri Services

CT2 Suits

Martin Feeney Formalwear

The TLT Theatre and Concert Hall The Sound Shop

Ej Menswear Aurivo The Glasshouse Hotel

Conor Griffin

Conor Kelly

Conor Longan

Conor Ryan

Cormac Duff

Damien Boylan

Granning Ireland Ltd

First Trust Bank Hegarty Supervalu Fintona Tyrone Diesel Systems

Boston Scientific

Trunwit Transport Bandon Farm Store Bandon Ltd

Quackdoctor Films The Society of Vincent de Paul

Ryan’s of Camden Street Cassidy’s Pub Camden Street The Fiddlers Elbow, Carrickmacross

Daniel O’Connell

Danny Neville

Darren Kiely

David Donnelly

Veon Forestry

The Davy Mann Bar Group Top of the Town Askeaton

The Trident Hotel Kinsale Kinsale Dental Simply Suits

The Shed Distillery

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David O’Connor

Dónal O’Callaghan

O’Connors Memorials Ltd The Country Market Restaurant

Cormac Tagging Goulding Chemicals Ltd Southern Milling Ltd

GearÓid Sheehan

Henry Donnelly

Ian O’Donoghue

Clean and Clear Window Cleaning Paraffin Suits Select

Irish Distillers

CFF Group Conal’s Tree Services Ltd Aldi Ireland

John O’Flynn

John Somers

Elite Personnel The Irish Tourism Group Scanlans Menswear Newcastle West

Tarrant and Tarrant Hore’s Stores Centra Kilmuckridge

Michael Redmond Patrick Sheary Menswear

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Eoghan Burke

Eoin O’Kelly

D&M Electrical Ballysimon Tyres and Service Centre Electrical Rewind Services

Eugene Mullen

Fergus Cassidy

Louis Copeland Krust Bakery Hewden Office and Communications

McElhinneys Department Store The Barber Shop @ Sharron’s Hair & Beauty Inishowen Motors (Letterkenny & Malin)

Jack Heffernan

Jason Gibbons

Kepak DT One Menswear

John Ross Jewellers Tralee Kellihers Toyota Tralee Meadowlands Hotel Tralee

Jeffrey Hovenden Keane Riverdale House Nursing Home The Cat and Cage Drumcondra

Kevin Conlon

Kieran Dunphy

Michael Fitzgerald

Michael McKenna

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Camile Cratloe Hills Sheep Cheese

Monaghan Arch Club

Barry’s Menswear Mallow Neonatal Unit, Cork University Maternity Hospital

The Kazbar Waterford East Cork Dairy Services FitzGeralds Menswear Waterford

Michael Robertson

Niall Crean

Nicholas Corcoran

Noel Gavin

Pat Murphy

Five Guys

Permanent TSB

Jim McLoughneys Menswear Nenagh

Perigord Life Science Artwork Solutions

Red Cross

Sean O’Regan

Results Ireland Gym

Patrick Cashman

Paul Clabby

Paul Kelly

Peter Rooney

Goldcrop Ltd

The Red Parrot Pub Donnellan & Co Menswear

Frank Wall’s Man Shop in Kilkenny Fitzgerald’s Menswear Waterford

Street Sweep Ltd Apache Pizza Man O War Bar & Restaurant

Celtic Ross Hotel Rosscarbery Co Cork O’Brien’s Bar Rosscarbery Crowley & McCarthy Chartered Accountants

Seán O’Reilly

Shane Foran

Thomas Lynch

Thomas McCormack

Thomas Roche

Tim O’Shea

Lir Chocolates

Glanbia Agribusiness Kill Agricultural Services Ltd Optique Vision Clonmel

Rose Escort of the Year 2017

Rose of Tralee 2015 Roses and Rose Escorts

KPMG

The Courtyard on Sober Lane The O’Shea Family Tom Murphy Menswear

Timmy Dunne

Tom O’Keeffe

Wesley Brownlow

Anner Hotel

Cargill Animal Nutrition Naas

A.R. Brownlow Engineering Supplies.

Hawthorn Life

The annual Rose of Tralee Rose Escort Boot Camp took place along the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry over the June Bank Holiday Weekend resulting in 57 men being shortlisted to accompany the Roses in Tralee at this year’s Festival from 17th to 21st August.

The lads, who already came through an interview process at the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth in April, had to pass a number of endurance tests and team-building exercises before they could graduate as fully-fledged Rose Escorts.

The Boot Camp weekend in the Kingdom is a teambuilding exercise that is also designed to help them cope with the demands of a busy week in Tralee. We are particularly grateful to our friends in Kerry County Council for putting together such a packed programme of activities throughout the magnificent Kingdom of Kerry.

Over the course of the weekend, the Rose Escorts experienced the visitor facilities in Castlegregory,

Thomas McCormack Coaching

The class of 2017

Ballyheigue, Banna Strand, Dingle, Kerry Head, Tralee.

The entire Rose Escort Team thank everyone who contributed to the programme of events from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd June, including: Kerry County Council, The Rose Hotel, RTÉ, Castlegregory Community Council, The Half on the Head (Kerryhead Half Marathon), Mick Harkin, Marion Godley, Ballyheigue Summer Festival, Ballyheigue Family Resource Centre, Ballybargains Discount Store, Lisa Harkin, Tom Brendan O Connor, Ray Stack, Ballyheigue Inshore Rescue, Offshore Surf School Banna, Meadowlands Hotel Tralee, Kerry Civil Defence, Dingle Cookery School, Dingle Ocean World, St. Brendan’s Memorial Garden, Fenit Development Association, Kerry Fire Services, Aqua Dome Tralee, Tralee Bay Wetlands and Blennerville Windmill.

Looking ahead to this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, one of the 57 lads will be selected as the Rose Escort of the Year live on RTÉ One on Monday 20th August.

Apply online now to be a Rose Escort in 2019 - www.roseoftralee.ie/apply

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

By William Pembroke Mulchinock 2018 OfficiaL PROGRAMME

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1959

Alice O’Sullivan

DUBLIN

1965

Therese Gillespie

Belfast

1971

Linda McCravy

Miami

1977

Orla Burke

Waterford

1983

Brenda Hyland

Waterford 32

1960

Theresa Kenny

Chicago

1966

Laraine Stollery

New Zealand

1972

Claire Dubendorfer

Switzerland

1978

Liz Shovlin

Pennsylvania

1984

Diane Hannagen

Limerick

1961

Josie Ruane

CORK

1967

Anne Foley

Birmingham

1973

Veronica McCambridge

Belfast

1979

Marita Marron

Belfast

1985

Helena Rafferty

BOSTON

1962

Ciara O’Sullivan

DUBLIN

1968

Eileen Slattery

Clare

1974

Maggie Flaherty

NEW YORK

1980

Sheila O’Hanrahan

Galway

1986

Noreen Cassidy

Leeds

1963

Geraldine Fitzgerald

BOSTON (R.I.P.)

1969

Cathy Quinn

DUBLIN

1975

Maureen Shannon

LONDON

1981

Debbie Carey

Birmingham

1987

Larna Canoy

Chicago

1964

Margaret O’Keeffe

TRALEE (R.I.P.)

1970

Kathy Welsh

Holyoke

1976

Marie Soden

New York

1982

Laura Gainey

Peterborough

1988

Maryanne Murphy

New Zealand

Oh no, twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning...

1989

Sinead Boyle

DUBLIN

1995

Nyomi Horgan

Perth

2001

Lisa Manning

Perth

2007

Lisa Murtagh

New York

2013

Haley O’Sullivan

TEXAS

1990

Julia Dawson

Germany

1996

Colleen Mooney

Toronto

2002

Tamara Gervasoni

Italy

2008

Aoife Kelly

Tipperary

2014

Maria Walsh

Philadelphia

1991

Denise Murphy

Cork

1997

Sinead Lonergan

France

2003

Órla Tobin

DUBLIN

2009

Charmaine Kenny

LONDON

2015

Elysha Brennan

MEATH

1992

Niamh Grogan

Galway

1998

Mindi O’Sullivan

Galway

2004

Orla O’Shea

Kilkenny

2010

Clare Kambamettu

LONDON

2016

Maggie McEldowney

CHICAGO

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

1993

Kirsty Flynn

Midlands UK

1999

Geraldine O’Grady

Cork

2005

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin

MAYO

2011

Tara Talbot

1994

Muirne Hurley

Limerick

2000

Róisín Egenton

New York

2006

Kathryn Feeney

Queensland

2012

Nicola McEvoy

QUEENSLAND

LUXEMBOURG

2017

2018

Jennifer Byrne

OFFALY

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Visitor Experiences at the 2018 Rose of Tralee International Festival

Wild Atlantic Blasket Experience Day Tour | Thursday 16th August 9.45am | Departure from The Rose Hotel, Tralee A visitor experience for the Culturally Curious along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Kingdom of Kerry and Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. The trip commences at The Rose Hotel, Tralee and the cost covers coach transfer, entrance to The Blasket Centre / Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir in Dún Chaoin, Dingle Distillery in Dingle Town (over 16s only), Traditional Workshop and ticket to ‘Oileán ‘ the show at Siamsa Tire Theatre, Tralee.

Advance booking essential. Closing date for bookings 14th August 2018 Tickets €55 or €70 (including Dingle Distillery)

William & Mary - Rose of Tralee Lunchtime Show | Friday 17th August 1pm to 2pm Kirby’s Brogue Inn (Upstairs), Rock Street, Tralee If you are joining us for our Living History Walking Tour then we invite you to join us upstairs in Kirby’s Brogue Inn to the ‘Mulchinock’s Parlour’ where you will enjoy a two course lunch special and a 45-minute theatre performance bringing the love story of William and Mary to life. Produced and directed by Padraig Dennehy, this drawing room one-act drama is performed in the round and presents a fun and engaging production of the wonderful love story of one of Ireland’s most famous couples from History.

Tickets: €25 per person (Show only) or €30 per person (History Walk & Lunchtime Show SPECIAL)

Rose of Tralee Living History Walking Tour | 17th, 18th & 19th August 9.30am daily | Gathering at Kirby’s Brogue Inn, Rock Street, Tralee Visitors are taken on a journey around Tralee by a local historian, performer and specialist on all things associated with the real life story of William & Mary the ‘Rose of Tralee’. This 3 hour walking tour is suitable for families and couples both young and old but still in Love! It entails short walks that cover approx 3km.

TICKETS: €10 per person (History Walk Only) or €30 per person (History Walk & Lunchtime Show SPECIAL)

Mulchinock Symposium | Monday 20th August | 9.30am to 12.30pm Kerry County Museum, Denny Street, Tralee Fact or Fiction? This symposium explores the fascinating history of the Mulchinock family and their role in the town’s most famous love story: The Rose of Tralee.

Kerry County Museum is delighted to host this interactive event organised by the Rose of Tralee International Festival. The Symposium aims to lead to the establishment of a Working Group to map the history of the Mulchinocks, their relationship with Tralee and their role in the tragic romantic tale of William and Mary. Local historians will present their preliminary findings and interested members of the public are invited to join in and contribute to the Symposium.

Admission – Free | Access & Parking | Not suitable for Children under 12 | Wheelchair Access (Full)

Further Information: 066 7127777 or email education@kerrymuseum.ie

For more details and bookings go to:

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www.roseoftralee.ie/visitor-experiences OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer...

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

Check out our

Rose of Tralee App

for all the latest news on this year’s Festival.

Buy tickets, meet the Roses and Rose Escorts, Apply to be a Rose

and much more!

www.roseoftralee.ie

Oh no, `twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning...

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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PRIZES 2018

Lead Sponsor

Tipperary Crystal is a market leader in highend design and excellent quality, creating contemporary and classical collections in crystal, giftware, homeware and jewellery.

As the Lead Sponsor of the Rose of International Festival, Tipperary Crystal is honoured to present, the 201​ 8 W ​ inning Rose of Tralee with a host of exquisite prizes including: The Rose of Tralee Tiara and Perpetual Trophy, designed and created ​by Tipperary Crystal A​ s a tribute to the iconic nature of the Rose of Tralee Tiara, the designers at Tipperary Crystal derived inspiration from the very essence of the Rose of Tralee brand - the Rose motif. ​​ Accordingly, in collaboration with the Rose of Tralee Festival, a splendid new Tiara w​as created, featuring the Rose motif as the central framework, adorned in glistening crystals.

Poignantly, the Winning Rose will also be presented with an exquisitely crafted Crystal Perpetual Trophy - a towering creation representing the joint legacy of both the Rose of Tralee and Tipperary Crystal brands and featuring the Rose emblem as the focal point.

A Complete Collection of Tipperary Crystal Fine Jewellery Tipperary Crystal’s reputation for finely tailored pieces is renowned and this is clearly reflected in the new jewellery collection. Fresh, simple and wearable are the essentials of good design. All three are captured perfectly within this unique jewellery collection.

The 2018​Rose of Tralee will be presented with a complete Tipperary Fine Jewellery collection, to compliment her style throughout the year of reign.

In addition, each of the participating Roses during the 201​​8 F​estival will all be gifted with sets of Tipperary Crystal jewellery to wear throughout the Festival and to act as a memento post event.

Giftware, Homeware​ and Handbag ​Collections In addition to the collection of jewellery, ​ ​ the 2018 Rose of Tralee will also receive a ​ prize bonanza comprised of products from the Tipperary Crystal giftware, homeware and handbag collections. Ranging from exquisite vases and bowls, picture frames, candleware and ceramics to a selection of stylish handbags from the newly launched Handbag Collection from Tipperary Crystal.

For Further Details:

www.tipperarycrystal.ie

PRESENT THE all new Kia ceed worth over €25,000 The All New Kia Ceed has arrived at McElligotts’ Tralee and into showrooms throughout Ireland. Like its predecessors the new Ceed is designed, developed, engineered and manufactured in Europe for European customers.

The new Ceed has more technology features as standard for driver comfort and convenience including 7” Touch Display (with Android Auto and Apple Car Play) and reversing camera. More safety features including Forward Collision Assist, Lane Keep Assist and High Beam Assist. More refined and economical engines including a new U2 1.6D and powerful 1.4 gasoline and improved ride and handling to make the new Ceed more enjoyable and engaging to drive. And build quality so good that like the entire Kia range, the new Ceed comes with our unique Kia 7 Year Warranty.

We at Kia wish the 2018 Rose of Tralee safe and enjoyable motoring over the next year in the All New Kia Ceed. For more on Kia log on to www.kia.com or drop into McElligotts of Tralee.

World Prize: valued at €25,000

The new Rose of Tralee will connect the global Irish community throughout the year and to help her on her way around the globe, she will receive a world travel prize valued at €25,000.

WEEKLONG ADVENTURE BREAK IN THE KINGDOM OF KERRY From the stunning Tralee Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way to the Lakes of Killarney and Dingle’s majestic scenery, Kerry County Council will treat the Rose of Tralee and a friend to a weeklong holiday in the Kingdom taking in all that Ireland’s tourism capital has to offer.

year-long subscription

The Irish Independent, media partner to the Rose of Tralee International Festival, will give the new Rose a year-long digital edition subscription to the Irish Independent plus a brand new MacBook Air so that she can keep up with all the news no matter where she is in the world.

complimentary accommodation at The Rose Hotel, Tralee The 2018 Rose of Tralee will receive complimentary accommodation at The Rose Hotel every time she returns to Tralee during the year of her reign. As the official home to the Roses for the duration of the Festival, this stunning four-star hotel is close to the town centre with the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains offering 162 modern guest rooms, complimentary car parking & WIFI, delicious food in the Park Restaurant, Rose Room and Dott’s Bar. Our new Rose will enjoy being pampered at the newly-opened Serenity Spa. For more information and to find great deals just go to therosehotel.com or call +353 66 7199100.

Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty

Official Hair Partner

Multi-award winning salon group, Sean Taffee Hair & Beauty is the Official Hair Partner for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival and will style the hair of the 2018 Rose of Tralee for the coming year. Sean Taaffe will also style the 57 Roses during the festival.

Quirky Flowers The 2018 Rose of Tralee will be presented with a bouquet of Roses from new Irish company, QuirkyFlowers.ie, who offer an innovative floral system by printing any phrase, logo and even a photo on the petal of a fresh or silk rose.

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Quirky Flowers

The Festival Organisers would also like to thank: A2B Vehicle Recovery Accommodation providers in Tralee All Marching Bands An Garda Síochána Aqua Dome Civil Defence Connect Magazine Creative Republic Cumann Iosaef Community Centre George and Mary Sugrue George Boutique Hotel, Limerick Glenroyal Hotel and Leisure Centre, Maynooth Guinness Storehouse

Health Service Executive Into Kildare Irish Post Irish Red Cross – Kerry Irish World KDYS Kerry Broadband Kerry County Council Kerry County Fire Service Kerry County Library Kerry County Museum Kerry Volunteer Centre Kerry’s Eye Newspaper

Kildare County Council Our Team of Volunteers Outlook Publications Radio Kerry Royal Hospital Kilmainham Spin Southwest The Kerryman Tina Griffin Tralee Advertiser Tralee Municipal District Staff TraleeToday.ie Tralee Tourist Office

Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me.

OfficiaL PROGRAMME 2018

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