These exceptional young women connect us through threads and memories of generations past, to different times, and their stories give an insightful glimpse of Irish communities as we are now, at home and abroad. They remind us of the strength of being one global family and they reflect the hope and the energy, the passion and the dreams of a new generation. Our most special welcome goes out to Maggie McEldowney, Rose of Tralee. Maggie, you are a beautiful person and you epitomise so much that is good about your generation. You have been an inspiration, a tireless worker, a wonderful ambassador and you have gained the respect and love of everyone associated with our Festival. Each of our sponsors are passionate about their support because they believe in the good work that our Roses, Rose Escorts, Centres and Volunteers do for Irish communities and their
As Mayor of Tralee, it is an honour to welcome you to the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2017.
related charities and events, and in what our Festival represents. Our lead sponsor, Tipperary Crystal, adds some magic sparkle to our Roses’ experience and the Scanlon family typifies what Irish spirit can achieve. Kerry County Council puts Kerry strongly behind us as we promote the Kingdom at home and abroad, while RTÉ’s invaluable partnership brings our iconic international Irish event into the hearts of millions of Irish people everywhere. The generosity and passion of Dick and Eibhlín Henggeler, our hosts at the sumptuous Rose Hotel in Tralee, is second to none. Thank you to Kildare County Council and your partners for your warm hospitality over three tour days and to the Guinness Storehouse for doing what you do best! Finally, a sincere thank you to everyone who makes our Festival the world class event that it is – Roses, Rose Escorts, Rose Buds, Rose Centres, Judges, Volunteers at home and abroad, the people and business community in Tralee, entertainers, Gardaí, Judges, civic authorities, media friends and management team.
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Céad míle Fáilte to the magical Kingdom of Kerry for the 2017 Rose of Tralee International Festival. It is August, Tralee is veiled in magical moods and twinkling festive lights. Excitement is at fever pitch and the fireworks, parades, carnival and fun are ready to explode into life as we await the arrival of 64 wonderful Roses from Irish communities around the world.
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Welcome messages
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Rose Tour 2017 - Kildare Maggie McEldowney: A year in the life of the 2016 Rose of Tralee Guinness Storehouse
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Rose Buds 2017 Fashion Show & 60 Years of Fashion Programme of Events 2017 Part 1 Pub Twinning 2017 2017 Roses, Judges TV Host Dáithí Ó Sé Programme of Events 2017 Part 2 Map & Useful Telephone Numbers Woman’s Academy & Mentorship Walk 2017 Rose Escorts & Bootcamp Highlights Roses of Tralee 1959-2016 The Prizes 2017 Street Festival & Family Town The story of the Rose of Tralee Song Lyrics
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Thank You
Anthony O’Gara
Executive Chairman, Rose of Tralee International Festival scenes to make this wonderful festival a reality.
The highlight of the social, community and cultural calendar in Tralee is upon us once more, a time when the people of Tralee showcase what is best about their wonderful town and extend the traditional ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to those visiting the festival.
Again this year, Kerry County Council’s Municipal District Office in Tralee and its dedicated staff have worked and A special welcome to the Roses who are once will work to ensure again gathering from the four corners of the that visitors have an enjoyable time here in globe to represent their part of the world and Tralee. their Rose Centres. Welcome too to their family and friends from the ‘Rose of Tralee Diaspora’ I hope you have a wonderful time over the around the world. coming week. I want to acknowledge the enormous efforts of countless volunteers who work behind the
I am honoured that one of my first functions since I became 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. 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.
Cllr Norma Foley Mayor of Tralee
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. Sincere best wishes to one and all for a very successful 2017 festival.
Cllr John Sheahan Mayor of Kerry
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2016 Rose of Tralee, Chicago Rose, Maggie McEldowney
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