Rose of Tralee International Festival - Official Programme 2023

TO THE 2023 INTERNATIONAL ROSE OF TRALEE FESTIVAL

ia dhaoibh agus céad míle fáilte to the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023.

I hope that you have a magical experience in Tralee over the next few days.

A huge thank you to our Rose centres at home and abroad, for the passion and dedication that they continue to invest in hosting Selections and related events in their communities, leading to this wonderful annual celebration of Irish culture in Tralee.

This year Kerry County Council, Tralee Vintner’s Association and the local business community are taking centre stage in organising Streets festivity, directly acknowledging the Festival’s cultural, historic and commercial importance to our town and county. Thank you to everyone involved and best of luck to Féile Thrá Lí on its inaugural festival journey.

We are excited and honoured to welcome thirty-two international Roses to Ireland and to Tralee. They have embarked on a seven-

day journey of celebration and fun around Ireland prior to arriving at the heart of the Festival in Tralee. Admirable women, their stories connect us, celebrate our diversity and give us an insightful annual glimpse into all things Irish around the world from the vantage point of their generation.

A special welcome to our prestigious judging panel - Nicola Dunne, Nuala Carey and Ollie Turner.

In an exciting development, RTÉ have announced that Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas are teaming up to bring us a double helping of fun, drama, and entertainment as they meet the Roses during the live TV selections. We look forward to meeting Kathryn and welcoming her to the Rose family, and of course renewing our welcome to our good friend Dáithí!

I want to thank our valued sponsors for their continued generosity and support including our friends from RTÉ, the Ó Mathúna family in the Meadowlands Hotel

and Kerry County Council.

Thank you also to KIA Ireland, the RSA, Benetti menswear and Failte Ireland.

A huge thank you to the County Councils in Longford, Offaly and Meath who supported our Rose Tour, and most especially to Wexford County Council for hosting our Roses for two days in the Ashdown Park Hotel, as they explored the beautiful sunny southeast.

Rachel Duffy, you have been such a strong and inspirational Rose of Tralee. Your tireless commitment as you traversed the Country in your Kia Niro in support of charities, communities and good causes was immense. Thank you for representing our Festival with integrity at home and abroad. We send you and Stephen love and best wishes as you continue your great adventure in life.

JOHNNIE WALL

As Mayor of Tralee, I am honoured to extend a ‘céad míle fáilte’ to my home town and to the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023.

The high point of the social, community and cultural calendar in our wonderful town is such an occasion for celebration.

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.

A sincere thank you 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.

As always, 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 enjoy the 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.

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 event provides a wonderful opportunity to present Tralee and Kerry to the world in a special way.

Very best wishes to one and all for a very successful 2023 festival.

I hope you enjoy all that Tralee has to offer during this wonderful occasion.

06 A Year in the Life of Rose of Tralee Rachel Duffy

11 The National Rose Tour

15 Rose Buds

17 Meet the Presenters: Daithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas

19 Meet the Judging Panel

21 Meet the Roses

28 Rose Escorts

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF TRALEE CLLR

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF KERRY CLLR JIM FINUCANE

ANTHONY O’GARA Executive Chair, Rose of Tralee International Festival

The sun was declining beneath the blue sea;

It is my pleasure on behalf of myself and the 2023 Roses, to welcome you to this year’s Rose of Tralee International festival. Although I must admit, it is with a heavy heart that I find myself writing this, because it means that my time as the 2022 Rose of Tralee is coming to an end.

If you had told me a few years ago, that I would ever enter the Rose of Tralee, much less be chosen as the 2022 International Rose of Tralee, I would have never believed it. But on a whim, in Spring 2022 I made the decision to apply for the Westmeath Rose Selection. I saw it as an opportunity to gain some confidence, make friends and try something new. What I never expected was that I would embark on the journey of a lifetime, a journey that has brought out the best in me and helped me transform into an empowered young woman full of courage, hope and gratitude.

In August 2022, with 32 new friends from around the world I embarked on the unforgettable Rose Tour around Ireland. I felt like the luckiest girl on the planet. I found a sense of belonging amongst my rose sisters that I had never felt before. My whole life I had yearned for the sense of belonging that the Rose of Tralee Festival gave me. I felt honoured to be in the company of so many beautiful, inspiring, and empowering women. To this day, I am filled with pride with the knowledge that I call them my friends.

It was on the 23rd of August 2022, that the words “Westmeath” rang out in the MTU in Tralee and my life as I knew it completely changed. It was like a surge of electricity passed through my body, and I remember feeling like the ground might just open and swallow me. The disbelief was evident on my face that night and of course, I am constantly reminded of my terrified expression when my name was called out! The first highlight of my year was my homecoming to my village

Rosemount. Returning to the village where I grew up, to be greeted with flags, bunting and posters outside everyone’s homes was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. I remember feeling guilty that our championship match that was due to be played that evening had to be cancelled in order to give me a proper Homecoming. My guilt quickly melted away when I arrived at my local GAA pitch where I was met with hundreds upon hundreds of people, all ready to celebrate and dance the night away in P. Egans. I can safely say, there was no football played in Rosemount that weekend!

In November 2022, with butterflies in my belly, I boarded a flight that would take me halfway around the world to Kolkata, India. What followed was truly the most overwhelming and eye-opening experience of my life. “A world where it should never hurt to be a child” the vision of The HOPE Foundation, echoed in my mind throughout my time there. Upon meeting Maureen Forrest, the founder of the HOPE Foundation, I was blown away by her dedication to create a brighter future for the homeless and slum-dwelling communities of the city. I laughed and cried, I danced and played like a child. I was inspired by the children I met, by their kindness and talent, mostly by how loving they were to welcome me, a stranger, into their classrooms, centres, and homes with open arms.

The support of my fellow Roses and Escorts has been an invaluable aspect of my experience, and we remain unified throughout the year, going on international adventures together. One such was a visit to Frankfurt. Hosted by the Germany Rose Centre, we ate and drank our body weight in mulled wine and bratwurst and took part in the opening of a Christmas Market in Frankfurt-Hochst. We got suited and booted once more at Christmastime for our Rose of Tralee Winter Ball organised by Rose Escort of the Year Shane McHugh in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation at Barberstown Castle

Hotel. There were many memorable experiences around the Christmas period for me, but there was one to beat out all the rest. And that was the opportunity to turn on the Christmas Lights in Mullingar. It was like a fairytale, seeing hundreds of people on the street below ready to light up the town and see the spirit of Christmas come alive.

In January, I began to feel more confident in my role and this I can attribute a lot to a weekend long reunion with all of the past International Roses of Tralee. We biked around Tralee, and they shared stories and tales of their time as Roses, each imparting small nuggets of knowledge and instilling their faith in me. I felt a sense of family and safety in their company and knew I would be a part of this family long after my time as the reigning rose had ended.

While I am already a Godmother to my nephew Daithí, in February in an unexpected turn of events I became a Ferry Godmother! As a student of Spanish and having lived in the North of Spain, being bestowed the honour of baptising the new Brittany Ferries Ship ‘The Salamanca’ was a total surprise and a full circle moment, as I visited the beautiful city of Salamanca during my studies a few years ago. Thanks to the Irish Embassy in Paris, I travelled to France and became the first Irish woman to baptise a Brittany Ferries ship. It is tradition for the Godmother to smash a bottle of champagne on the bow of the ship in order to ensure the safety of its sailors and a long life at sea.

Above: On stage with Dáithí Ó Sé; and backstage with Thomas, Lorraine and my dad, Eamonn.

Right: Visiting Brian’s Way Resource Centre for Children with Special Needs with The HOPE Foundation

Meeting Miriam O'Callaghan at JFK

Presented with roses by Comórtas chairman Padraig Ó Sé at the Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé

Right: Guest speaking at the Cathaoirleach awards; and flying high while launching the Benetti Menswear Rose Escort search in Dublin

When March rolled around, it was time for the Roses and Escorts annual trip to the Big Apple to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It was an early start on March 17th, as Shane, Cathrena and I made our way to Gracie Mansion, the residence of the Mayor of New York for breakfast. We were so fortunate to attend mass that morning in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and I was blown away by the beauty and spirit of the celebration that day. We then reunited with our 2022 Class of Roses and Escorts to march down Fifth Avenue in the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade. We all felt an immense sense of pride as we were not only representing the festival, but we were each representing our respective homeplaces.

As the year was so hectic with various engagements and trips, we decided to make time for a tour around Westmeath. I have been so very lucky to have had the support of multiple businesses in my locality this year, P. Egan’s Traditional Irish Bar, which is my workplace and my first ever sponsor, Radiant Beauty by Hannah Kelly who pampered me on multiple occasions, and Sleator’s KIA

in Mullingar who provided my new car the KIA Niro EV. It was so important to acknowledge the role all of these supporters have had over the last 18 months and pay them all a visit.

As a lover of GAA and a proud member of Cill Oige LGFA I was so honoured to receive an invitation from Westmeath New York GAA to return back to New York in May for their Dinner Dance and Tailteann Cup Celebration Weekend. I once again packed my bags to jet off to New York, excited but apprehensive to be taking this trip alone. However, once I arrived it became clear that I felt more at home than ever on this trip because there were so many Westmeath natives there, welcoming me with open arms. Many of them expressed how much they missed home when watching the Rose of Tralee and seeing Westmeath bring it home. It re-enforced the principals of the festival for me, that it is a celebration of amazing woman, and it honours Irish identities around the globe.

I have been very lucky throughout the year to have

been involved with multiple charities and campaigns. One such campaign that is close to my heart is 100Kin30Days for Breast Cancer. Being an ambassador for the campaign this year was particularly special. It gave me the opportunity to meet breast cancer survivors and BRCA warriors, to hear their stories and be inspired by their strength. Having lost my mam to breast cancer, it became a healing experience for me and also an amazing initiative to raise money for The Marie Keating Foundation’s breast cancer services. The campaign this year raised an outstanding €1 million.

With my year coming to a close, it is impossible to choose just one highlight. It was certainly one of the most challenging but rewarding years of my life, and I am a better person because of it. I would like to thank in particular the Rose of Tralee festival committee for their support. Suzan, who has been in the background as both a committee member and friend supporting me at every stage. Steve who is an unwavering source of guidance and honesty and a constant reminder to put on my sash! To Anthony and Oonagh O’Gara, for welcoming me so warmly into the Rose of Tralee family. For all the laughs and chats and G&Ts, I have more special memories made than I can count. To Sarah and Katie, for all your behind-the-scenes support in Westmeath, thank you for travelling around the world with me. It is a pleasure to be a representative for Westmeath Rose Centre. To the Meadowlands Hotel, for becoming my home away from home, thank you for offering me a sense of relaxation and peace amid the madness this year. To Tralee, the town I have come to know so well, thank you for your hospitality and accepting me as your rose this year. I will be back every year and I look forward to seeing my name on the Rose Wall, along with all the names of every Rose there has ever been.

To my family, friends, and my partner Stephen, I would be lost without you. You have been there at every step of the way, as my biggest supporters and motivators. Especially my two nephews Daithí and baby Tadhg, I am so proud to be your auntie and I hope you can look up to me. This has been a journey for all of us and you were always there to remind me how lucky I am. I hope I have made you all proud. To the 2023 International Rose of Tralee, I look forward to meeting you. Be assured that I will be there to support you in any way I can on this amazing journey you are about to undertake. I wish I could do it all over again.

Love,

100km in 30 Days for the Marie Keating Foundation in June.

Dressed to impress with Steve

Taking part in the St Patrick's Day Parade in New York

With Tánaiste Micheál Martin in Multyfarnham Winter Ball in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation

Baptising the Salamanca with Christophe Bergeroux, commandant du Salamanca

With Shane McHugh at the residence of the Mayor of New York

Roses of Tralee Reunion

Receiving the keys to the stunning Kia Niro EV

Launching the search for this year's Rose of Tralee by the Rose of Tralee Statue in Tralee Town Park

Midnight Madness at Ashe Memorial Hall, Tralee

Working in Partnership on Our Journey to Vision Zero

The Road Safety Authority is happy to continue as an O cial Rose Tour Partner to the Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023

Ireland’s new Road Safety strategy aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. It’s the first step to achieving Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050. The Roses and their Escorts are playing an important role in helping us communicate lifesaving road safety messages and to reminding us that we all have a part to play in making Vision Zero a reality.

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

THE NATIONAL ROSE TOUR

AN UNFORGETTABLE ROSE ADVENTURE

VERY year, our Roses embark on an unforgettable adventure when they first meet in Ireland, and begin their National Rose Tour, exploring different parts of our lovely ‘Emerald Isle’.

This year, the host county, where the Roses will take a few days to settle in and get to know each other, is Wexford. The Roses will meet for the first time on Friday the 11th of August in the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey and will spend the next few days seeing the very best of what Wexford has to offer as they visit Gorey town, try some sea cave kayaking, head to Hook Lighthouse, Kilmore Quay, lovely Enniscorthy, Wexford Quay and more, all with thanks to Visit Wexford, Wexford County Council and The Ashdown Park Hotel.

From there, on Sunday, they will travel on to Kildare to stay at the luxurious Barberstown Castle and enjoy some down time with a fun Jersey night and barbecue. It’s off to Longford on Monday for some lively activity as the Roses get a glimpse into the fabulous Center Parcs to try out some of the extensive family fun and activities to be enjoyed there. They’ll take a look around Longford town, take in the beautiful St Mel’s Cathedral, and will get a little competitive as they race against one another while Go Karting in Edgeworthstown!

The next day it’s time for the RTÉ photoshoot, which is synonymous with the Festival by now and a well-loved tradition. Our Roses will meet their Hosts, Dáithí Ó Sé and Kathryn Thomas, and will have great fun there with their first media experience, before departing for Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The Roses will enjoy a welcome reception of Irish Music & Dancing, enjoy some Jewellery making, a whiskey tasting at Tullamore D.E.W. and a walk through the town before getting all glammed up for the Gala Dinner being held that night in the County Arms Hotel.

On Wednesday it’s off to Birr Castle before hopping on a boat on the Shannon from Banagher to Clonmacnoise. After

some lunch in Shannonbridge, the Roses will be lucky enough to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newgrange, before finishing the activities of the day with a trip to Emerald Park! They will continue on then to the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, where all of our Cinderellas will go to the Ball and enjoy the spectacular hospitality on offer in Co. Meath.

It will be back to reality on Thursday morning for our Roses, as they enjoy some real Irish traditions while visiting Causey Farm, taking part in some sheep herding, some bread-baking and some set dancing! From there our Roses head to Porchfields for the river walk along the majestic river Boyne, they’ll take in the beautiful castle and then it’s time to hop on the Rose bus once again. They will spend that evening enjoying the delights that the George Hotel in Limerick have to offer and unwind a little before the final leg of the tour to Tralee the following morning!

They will arrive into Tralee on Friday the 18th of August to the home of the Roses - the Meadowlands Hotel - to a great welcome Reception and the finest hospitality, and then the Festival will have well and truly begun in the Kingdom of Kerry!

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery

Trim Porchfields and River Walk

Center Parcs

Birr Castle Demense

OFFICIAL ROSE TOUR PARTNER

Wexford Rose Tour

We would like to wish all the Roses taking part in this year’s festival the very best of luck!

- from everyone in Barretstown

Barretstown offers free therapeutic programmes at our unique specially-designed 500 acre campus in Co. Kildare, and through our outreach programmes in hospitals around Ireland, for children and their families living with a serious illness.

Barretstown empowers and encourages each child to step out of their comfort zone and re-build their confidence through our medically endorsed therapeutic programmes. Barretstown welcomes children living with 14 different chronic and acute serious illnesses.

This year Barretstown will serve 17,000 campers. Barretstown has a 24 hour on-site medical facility, the Med Shed, to cater for all our campers medical needs.

www.Barretstown.org

Abby Gallagher twinned with Carlow

Amelia O’Callaghan twinned with Chicago

Anna Poff twinned with Wexford

Anna O Sullivan twinned with Washington DC

Aoibheann Masterson twinned with Dublin

Ava Linehan twinned with Sydney Ava Buckley twinned with Texas

Ciana Reilly twinned with New Zealand

Grace Griffin twinned with San Francisco

Ella May Healy twinned with Cork

Ellie McCarthy twinned with Queensland

Farah Fox twinned with Laois

Faye O’Sullivan twinned with Arizona

Caoimhe O Halloran twinned with Offaly

Fiadh Scully twinned with Antrim

Fionnuala Curtin twinned with Mayo

Hannah Odugbesan twinned with Philadelphia

Holly Belle Breen twinned with Western Canada

Laoise Burke twinned with Germany

Lucy McElligott twinned with Toronto

Matilda McGuire twinned with Ottawa

Millie Lacey twinned with Clare

Milly McElligott twinned with Down

Olivia Healy twinned with Limerick

Sadhbh Sheehy twinned with Boston & NE

Sadie Dennehy twinned with Kerry Saoirse Fletcher twinned with New York

Mia Doyle twinned with Melbourne

Seona Sutherland twinned with Meath Sinéad Stack twinned with London

Zoe Boyle twinned with South Australia

Sarah Ryan twinned with Longford

SCAN TO DONATE TO BARRETSTOWN

Once upon a time, there were 32 girls who dreamed of becoming a Rose...

The moon through the valley her pale rays were shedding

PRESENTERS

DÁITHÍ Ó SÉ RTÉ Rose of Tralee Selection Presenter

DÁITHÍ Ó Sé has presented a variety of programmes on RTÉ television including the most-watched daytime television show in Ireland, ‘Today’, co-presented with Maura Derrane and Sinéad Kennedy and is a two-time winner of the Best Male TV Presenter award at The Gossies.

Dáithí has been presenting The Rose of Tralee since 2010. He looks forward to returning to the Festival stage and is excited to welcome his new co-host Kathryn Thomas to Tralee this year!

Originally from Dingle in County Kerry, Dáithí studied in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick. He worked with TG4 for over 10 years as a weather presenter and presented a variety of programmes including ‘Glór Tíre’, ‘Dáithí ar Highway 61’ and ‘Dáithí ar Route 66’.

Before becoming a weather presenter 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.

KATHRYN THOMAS RTÉ Rose of Tralee Selection Presenter

KATHRYN Thomas is a Radio and TV broadcaster hailing from beautiful County Carlow. She first landed onto our screens in 1999 as presenter of RTÉ’s ‘Rapid’. Since then, Kathryn has become best known as the host of hit shows such as ‘Operation Transformation’, ‘No Frontiers’, ‘The Voice of Ireland’, ‘No Place Like Home’ and ‘Winning Streak’ as well as a regular voice on the RTÉ Radio One airwaves.

Kathryn has previously hosted national festivals and events including ‘St. Patrick's Day Live’, the opening ceremony of the ‘Special Olympics World Summer Games’ and is thrilled to be presenting The Rose of Tralee

Watch the Rose of Tralee Selection Nights live from the Kerry Sports Academy at the Munster Technological University (MTU) on Monday, August 21st and Tuesday, August 22nd, on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

When I won the heart of theRose of Tralee.

RTÉ Weather and National Lottery Presenter, Nuala Carey is delighted to join the panel of judges for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. Fresh from co-presenting the second series of ‘The Summer Show’ on RTÉ One, she is really looking forward to meeting this year’s Roses.

Having worked in broadcasting all her career, and been a lifelong fan of the Festival, Nuala has judged many of the Dublin Rose Selections in previous years. She understands just how difficult a task she and her fellow judges are facing, as she is all too familiar with the very high standard of participants.

Nuala would like to wish each Rose the very best of luck, as they enjoy exploring the country, making many new friends, showcasing their abilities and talents, and potentially being selected to represent Ireland on the world stage in the

Nicola lives in Kinsale, Co. Cork with her husband Eamonn and two wonderful children, Oscar (4) and Isla (1). A master’s graduate of UCC, she taught for 7 years in the European School of Luxembourg.

Nicola now teaches history and geography at Cork Educate Together Secondary School. Having caught the sea swimming bug on Christmas Day last, she now swims regularly at the beautiful beaches of Kinsale. Nicola is thrilled to be back in Tralee this August, as the festival holds a very

Galway native Ollie Turner has been a part of the Rose of Tralee International Festival for over 20 years. The radio broadcaster has acted as compere at county Rose Selections all over the country and has previously judged the International Roses for the 2018 Festival. His quick wit and relaxed style have endeared him to Rose of Tralee audiences from Donegal to Wexford and from Down to Cork.

Ollie has been the Head of Sport with Galway Bay FM since 2000, whilst also co-hosting the Breakfast Show. A keen golfer, Ollie also has a huge

NUALA CAREY - RTÉ

NICOLA DUNNE - 2012 ROSE OF TRALEE - JUDGING CHAIRPERSON

OLLIE TURNER - BROADCASTER

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

DUBLIN BETHANY CUSHING

My name is Bethany and I’m 27 years old, hailing originally from Ballyhea, Co. Cork but am a Rose of many roots; growing up in the Falkland Islands, London, and Cork before finally settling in Dublin. I am privileged to be representing my now home county of Dublin. I moved to Dublin in 2013 to pursue my studies at Trinity College Dublin. Since graduating, I have worked as a Radiation Therapist for St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network and also in cancer research. In 2020 I started in the Royal College of Surgeons where I am about to commence my fourth year as a medical student. My career goal is to work in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and I have a keen interest in women’s health. In my spare time I enjoy swimming in Bull Island, cooking, playing the violin, practising TaeKwonDo, and I am currently training for the Dublin Marathon in October while fundraising for Beaumont Hospital Foundation, a charity close to my heart. I am so excited for what’s to come as the Dublin Rose in Tralee this summer and to meet 31 other inspirational and like-minded women.

KERRY KELSEY LANG MCCARTHY

Hi there! My name is Kelsey Lang McCarthy, I am 22 years old and live in the beautiful, picturesque town of Cahersiveen. I am thrilled and honoured to be representing my County (The Kingdom) as this year’s Kerry Rose. I am currently a student going into my final year of studying Podiatric Medicine in the National University of Galway. It is a very broad and rewarding career as no day is the same as the last. My goal for the future is to work as a paramedic in the ambulance service and continue to pursue podiatry in my own practice. Coming from a musical family, I love singing and playing the guitar. I have been incredibly blessed in the past, having had the opportunities to sing at festivals, events and for President Michael D Higgins on numerous occasions. As well as my passion for music, I love to travel, meet new people, embrace new cultures and opportunities. My dream is to travel the world and make as many memories as I can which will undoubtedly include the unforgettable experiences and friendships I will make on my Rose of Tralee journey.

LIMERICK

MOLLI-ANN O’HALLORAN

Hiya, my name is Molli-Ann, I am 19 years old, and I’m from Limerick City. As a proud representative of my beloved Treaty City, I’m delighted to represent my county. I work in Bunratty Castle as an Irish traditional singer. It’s great to have a laugh and chat with people from all walks of life. Working in a castle has its perks, I get to dress as a princess and sing, happy days! I’m currently studying Music and soon hope to study Social Studies to broaden my communication skills with children and young adults, and want to incorporate music as a method of communication. I’m a young woman living with Autism. I’m a passionate advocate for individuals with Autism also. I love to speak and raise awareness to create positive change. I like to bake, try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone. Music is my passion. I enjoy busking with Novas to help spread some joy at Christmas time through song. I am driven and compassionate. A motto I live by is “just keep swimming”. I’m excited to experience Tralee and make the most of this amazing opportunity!

LONGFORD GRACE KEMPLE

Hi! My name is Grace, I am 23 years old and I am the Longford Rose for 2023. I have lived in Longford all of my life and I am so honoured to be representing my county in the Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am a Registered General Nurse and currently doing my Higher Diploma in Midwifery. I am studying this in Trinity College Dublin. As part of my studies, I also work in The Coombe Hospital. Becoming a midwife has always been my dream job, it is such a privilege to help bring new life into the world. I have delivered 31 babies so far; I still get emotional every time! I love being active. I enjoy the gym, pilates and walking my dog, Freddie. I am extremely close with my family, some of whom live in Tralee, and are very excited for August! I have been in Tralee many times during the Festival, but I am thrilled to be a part of it this year. I am really looking forward to the Festival, meeting new people and enjoying the experience with all of the other Roses!

GERMANY MEGAN WOLF

Guten Tag! My name is Megan, I am 27 years old, currently living in Germany. Representing the Irish diaspora in Germany as the 2023 Germany Rose is a great privilege which I deeply appreciate. I am on the verge of completing my Political Science graduate programme, focusing on Europe. Post-graduation, I will continue my work at a policy-related service company, engaging citizens and stakeholders at the municipal and state level. It is interesting work because it‘s diverse and I love passing on proposals people work on together! My mother is from Coachford, Co. Cork. She emigrated to Germany in 1992 after meeting my father in Crete. We try to spend a few weeks every year with my Irish family. I have vivid memories of lively family gatherings, prancing around farm animals and nature. Others describe me as calm, sincere and considerate. I enjoy being active outdoors, singing and having a good laugh. I belong to a housing association that promotes solidarity-based living as an alternative to profit-oriented housing. I’m excited to connect with amazing young women and embark on this unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Laois SINEAD DOWD

Hi! My name is Sinead Dowd, I am 25 years old, living in Cullohill, Co. Laois. I was born and raised in New York; however, I made the solo move to Ireland at the age of 16 (hence the strange accent!). With both my parents being Irish, and the abundance of cousins I have here, I always had a strong connection to Ireland, and couldn’t wait to make a life for myself here. I am an English and Geography Secondary School teacher. While I love guiding young people to reach their fullest potential, I also love the everyday interactions with my students, and seeing their confidence develop. I have recently taken up Gaelic football with Shanahoe LGFA. I’m still struggling with the skills, but I’m enjoying the social side of it! If I was to describe myself in one word it would be optimistic. Life is a beautiful thing, but it can also be challenging, and I try to look for a bright side in most situations. I am honoured and privileged to be representing my county in the Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am looking forward to making amazing memories throughout the festivities. Up Laois!!

LONDON AMY GILLEN

My name is Amy, and I am 27 years old. I am from Donegal but have been living in the vibrant heart of London for the last number of years. I am privileged to represent the Irish community in London as the 2023 London Rose. My parents live in Donegal and my family are living in Derry, Meath, Kildare, Sligo, and Dublin. They are excited about attending the Rose of Tralee International Festival! I graduated from the RIAM and the Royal College of Music London in 2020 with a Distinction Masters in Music in Jazz and Classical Flute. I am a product of Music Generation and the local and National Youth Orchestras. I am passionate about music. I teach music at the Westminster Performing Arts School based at St Andrew’s Youth Club in Westminster. I am developing my career as a solo performer and collaborator, and played at the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Waterford, in venues in Ireland and around the world. I recently released my debut CD, ‘Flute-Chapters’. I am grateful to my sponsor, Falcon Green, whom I work with part-time. I am looking forward to Tralee, making wonderful memories and meeting inspirational women!

MAYO KATE HENEGHAN

Dia dhaoibh go léir ó Chontae Mhaigh Eo! My name is Kate, and I am a 27 year old harpist, violinist and pianist from Castlebar. I am very honoured to represent my beloved County Mayo in Tralee this year. Since graduating with a Masters in Music Composition from Ulster University, I have worked as a Classical Content Specialist for global music streaming platforms. At the age of 18 I was very fortunate to be able to combine my Undergraduate Degree in Music while touring the world as a musician. I am also very passionate about sharing my love of music with others: I teach music in both genres of Irish traditional and classical music. My family and I formed ‘Westport Scoil Cheoil’ a summer school dedicated to teaching Irish music and promoting Irish culture. As well as teaching music, I regularly host music radio programmes and volunteer as a musician and MC at charity concerts. Sport is another great passion of mine, and of course I am a loyal Mayo supporter! I am a qualified personal trainer and hiking is one of my favourite pastimes.

MEATH LANE GALVIN

My name is Lane Galvin. I’m 26 and work as a Midwife in the Midwifery Led Unit in Drogheda Hospital. It is a privilege to support people and their families during a very vulnerable time. I am passionate about my job and have specialised in advanced examination of the newborn, maternal mental health and holistic therapies. I was honored to be awarded midwife of the year this year. I received a scholarship to do my Masters in Research looking at Trauma Informed Care which has allowed me to further my career, aspirations and share my passion with others including the student midwives in Dundalk Institute of Technology, whom I had the pleasure of lecturing this year. I love traveling, dancing, drama, debating and cold river swims. I represented DKIT at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, National Debate. I started an Instagram page called ‘TheBuildingBride’ where I documented the process of building our home to help others on their exciting journey. Representing Meath has been an honour, especially working with charities such as the Meath Women’s Refuge and Irish Wheelchair Association. I’m looking forward to heading to Tralee with a wonderful bunch of Roses.

NEW YORK RÓISÍN WILEY

Hello there! My name is Róisín Wiley, and I am honored to represent New York in the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am 27 years old and live in Manhattan. I am a VP of National Sales at a consumer marketing company, managing a territory of OTC and Pharmaceutical accounts. I specifically partner with them to plan and execute strategic digital & in-store campaigns. My parents, Eddie & Majella, were born and raised in Co. Limerick. My mom is from Templeglantine, and my dad is from Kilmallock. They emigrated to NYC in their 20s and built an amazing life for my younger brother John & I in Westchester, NY. We have been blessed to travel to Ireland every year, and now a bit more often to cheer on the Limerick Hurlers! I enjoy walks (especially in the rain), dog watching, traveling, and exercising. I am passionate about taking advantage of every opportunity and hope to motivate others to be the best version of themselves. I’m thrilled beyond belief to participate in the Festival, and very excited to meet all these other fabulous women. I will be forever thankful to my family and friends for their unending support!

OFFALY ALLIE LEAHY

My name is Allie Leahy and I am 24 years old. I live in Kinnitty, Co. Offaly. I am employed by Tullamore Pet Hospital as a receptionist, working with fabulous pet owners and adorable animals. I enjoy pilates, cooking, socialising with my family and friends and I love to walk my dog Shrek. I train the underage Kinnitty camogie team. I was never much of a camogie player myself, but I have found training the underage team an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a great privilege to provide encouragement, support and mentorship to these young women at such a key point in their lives. I am passionate about travelling! I love meeting new people and learning about other cultures. I have been to various European cities as well as New York and Melbourne. I also lived in Inveraray, Scotland before moving home due to the pandemic. I consider myself a bubbly, friendly and an enthusiastic person (unless I’m hangry!). I am incredibly grateful to be a participant in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I am excited to meet all of the other fantastic ladies and to empower women and young girls globally to believe in themselves and follow their dreams!

PHILADELPHIA MARISSA BERRY

My name is Marissa Berry, I’m 29 years old, and I am an insurance underwriter for weddings and other special events across the United States. I graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and have lived in nearby Havertown ever since. As a woman with ADHD, I hope to someday help women with similar struggles in their personal and professional development. Most of my family hails from Co. Mayo. My great-grandparents came over in the 1920’s and made their home in Philadelphia. My grandfather’s Uncle served as a member of the H Company (Aughagower) of the West Mayo Brigade during the Irish war of Independence. His name now lives on a memorial by the canal in the city center of Westport. My family continues to grow their Irish connections three generations later. I do as much as I can within the Philadelphia Irish community. I am Vice President of the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and have the honor to serve as Assistant Ball Chair for the Donegal Ball, an event that has been taking place for 133 years. I am proud to represent Philadelphia at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival!

MELBOURNE KATIE CASEY

My name is Katie Casey. I am 28 years old and I was born and raised on a dairy farm overlooking the mouth of the River Shannon in Causeway, Co. Kerry. I’m the youngest of four older brothers, Dad is a Kerry man and Mom is from Garryvoe in East Cork. After graduating from the University of Limerick with a BSc in Nursing (Intellectual Disability), I emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 for a year before settling in Melbourne which I now call my home away from home. I currently work as a Registered Nurse in the community supporting clients with complex disabilities and mental health. I am very passionate about my job and my motto in life is “everything happens for a reason.” I keep connected to my Irish community by playing camogie with Sinn Féin GAC Club and I’m a member of Melbourne Comhaltas, where I set dance weekly. I love a challenge and recently completed the Gold Coast Full Marathon where I helped raise funds for Down Syndrome Kerry, a charity very close to my heart. From a young girl, I’ve grown up attending the annual Festival. I feel very honoured and delighted to be representing the Melbourne Irish communityl.

NEW ZEALAND KELSI WALLACE

Kia ora koutou! I'm 27 and I was born and bred in the deep south of Aotearoa New Zealand, and now live just up the coast in the beautiful Ōtepoti region. My paternal grandfather is from a small village called Cregganawoody in Co. Mayo and immigrated to New Zealand in 1950. After a few lambing seasons in Murihiku Southland, he married the farmer’s daughter and still lives on that farm today! I currently work in musculoskeletal injury prevention at Silver Fern Farms and have focused largely on Biomechanics and Exercise Prescription throughout my studies and working career. I love my field of work, as I’ve seen how pain and injury can deplete quality of life, and it’s very rewarding to be able to help. I’m passionately involved in Irish dance; I competed for years, trained dancers and have published a paper on Irish dance biomechanics. I’m a member of our local Irish society and volunteer for several mental health organisations, a cause very close to my heart. The rest of my time is spent lifting weights, dabbling in music, and hanging out with my whānau. It’s exciting to come back to Ireland and I’m so honoured to be a part of this Festival!

OTTAWA AOIFE M C DONALD

My name is Aoife McDonald, I’m 27 years old and I was born and raised in Ottawa. I hold dual citizenship and I’m a first generation Canadian. My mother hails from Mountbellew, Co. Galway and my father from Portarlington, Co. Laois. I love returning to Ireland every summer to visit family and explore my home away from home. I am heavily involved in Ottawa’s vibrant Irish community and enjoy singing, dancing, acting and art. I have a Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in History and Political Science with a Concentration in International Relations and a Minor in French and a Bachelor of Education. During university, I served on the executive committee of a women’s social and empowerment organisation which helps young women transition to university, develop leadership skills and participate in philanthropic activities. I currently work for the Committees Directorate of the Senate of Canada. I also work part time at two local pubs, the Aulde Dubliner and Brigid’s Well, giving me the opportunity to stay connected in the community. In the future, I’m interested in becoming a Member of Parliament so I can foster change and continue to help others. I’m very excited to return to Ireland this year as a Rose.

QUEENSLAND IMOGEN WESTON-KELLY

Hello! My name is Imogen, and I am immensely proud to be representing Queensland in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. I’m 22 and have lived most of my life in Brisbane with my Aussie Mum, Irish Dad, two younger siblings, and much-loved Cavoodle, Harvey. I’m work as a social worker at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. I love my job and am incredibly passionate about dignifying the lived experience and creating opportunities to empower those facing disadvantage. In my spare time I enjoy catching up with friends at Brisbane cafes, visiting the beach and cooking - I’m a total foodie. Growing up, my fondest memories include the many trips to my dad’s family in Ireland, who predominantly live in both Kildare town and Co. Cork. When I was little I was always intrigued as to how long summer evenings seemed to last and despite insisting I could stay awake, almost always fell asleep curled up beside the chimenea outside my Nanny Paula’s home. Feeling so blessed to call two places on the opposite side of the world home, is something that I am forever grateful for and am thrilled to celebrate in Tralee this year.

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

SAN FRANCISCO KATIE MCFADDEN

Hello Everyone! My name is Katie McFadden and I’m 22 years old, living in San Francisco, CA. I am beyond excited to be representing the city in which I was born and raised as the San Francisco Rose. I am currently working as a firefighter for the state of California where I respond to a variety of different and meaningful calls. I love what I do because every day is different, and I get to give back to my community. In the future I aspire to become a Captain with the San Francisco Fire Department, where I will be able to help future generations learn about themselves and their careers. Growing up in San Francisco has given me an amazing opportunity to learn and stay in touch with my Irish roots. Both my maternal grandparents were born and raised in Co. Kerry, in Ballyheigue and Causeway. My paternal grandfather was raised in Donegal and my grandmother was born and raised in San Francisco. When I am not working, I love to travel, hike, and spend time with family and friends. I am an outgoing and friendly person and I am delighted to start the Rose Tour with an amazing group of like-minded and passionate women.

SYDNEY AOIFE BUTLER

Hello! My name is Aoife, I am 28 years old and I am from Co.Wexford. I came to Australia four years ago, to follow my late brother Matthew’s dreams. After qualifying with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental health nursing, I made the move in 2019 to travel and experience the place where my brother spent the last years of his life. I am now an Australian permanent resident and hope to get my citizenship in the near future. I am working as a mental health clinical nurse educator in St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney while also studying my Masters in Mental Health. I am very passionate about mental health, including honouring my late brother’s memory. I am proud to be representing Sydney during their 60th anniversary year, for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, it is so heartwarming to see the joy it has brought to my family & community both at home in Ireland and in Australia. I hope to be a positive role model for young people, knowing that despite the challenges you may face in life, if you keep working hard and believing in yourself you truly can do anything!

TORONTO ERICA DALY

Hi! I’m Erica, I'm 24, and I’m the 2023 Toronto Rose. I’m so proud to be representing such an incredible city. As an Irish dancer of 17 years, I had the opportunity to compete in many cool places, which taught me that every day is a chance to learn something new. I’ve recently completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Integrated Business and Humanities followed by a Master of Environment and Sustainability. Can you tell I love learning? I work at a local College in the Energy and Power Innovation Centre as a Project Manager. I absolutely love what I do because I help real people with real-world challenges through sustainability solutions. I’m passionate about protecting our Earth’s natural resources and hope that I can one day share this passion as a university professor. In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, doing crosswords, learning Italian, or volunteering with ALS Canada and the Board of Directors of my local library. My paternal grandparents were born in Ballinasloe and Portumna, Co. Galway. I can’t wait for an amazing celebration of Irish culture and heritage in Tralee, building new friendships and wonderful memories along the way!

WESTERN CANADA LONDON PRUSKO

I’m London Prusko. I’m 29 years of age and reside in Edmonton, Ab, Canada. I am so proud to be representing my home country as the 2023 Western Canada Rose. My maternal grandfather was born and raised in Ballymena, Co. Antrim. He immigrated to Canada in 1955. I am a Registered Dental Assistant working as a clinical sleep assistant, diagnosing and treating patients with Obstructive Sleep apnea. What I love the most about my career is the ongoing support I provide to my patients. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my dog, Jet. My hobbies include; running, Irish dancing, hiking, camping and skiing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I am a proud member of my local Irish club, I volunteer with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters club. I mentor, support, and encourage a young girl to be the best version of herself! Giving back to my community is important to me, I love doing this through fundraisers and supporting local charities. I am a dedicated, motivated and kind individual. I am so excited to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, and meet other inspirational, successful and motivated women!

SOUTH AUSTRALIA CHARLOTTE BURTON

Hi! I’m Charlotte, I’m 27 years old and I’m from Adelaide, South Australia, where I live on Kaurna land. I am a multi-disciplinary artist, working primarily in video content creation. I work at The Growing Space, a disability-focused company where I produce videos aimed at empowering disabled people. As a disabled woman myself, being able to engage with my community in this way is incredibly rewarding. I also am a founding member of DIDA (Disability, Illness and Divergence Association) a group dedicated to supporting disabled and chronically ill students in higher education through peer support. In my free time, I dance (Irish, Tap and Contemporary), play soccer for the Adelaide Jaguars, and paint. I take great pride in my Irish heritage, which comes from my parents who emigrated to Australia from Ireland in the 1980s. My Mother hails from Youghal, Co. Cork and my Father is from New Ross, Co. Wexford. I grew up with a profound appreciation of Irish culture, particularly the language and music. To be a part of the Festival is an amazing opportunity for me to submerge myself in my heritage and reconnect with Ireland.

TEXAS EDEN KASPRAK

Howdy! My name is Eden Kasprak, I am 25 years old and was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I am honoured to represent the Texas-Irish community as the 2023 Texas Rose. As someone who keeps her Texas roots near and dear to her heart, I currently work at a Country Dance Hall and a family-owned Country Western store. My community means a lot to me, which I celebrate by volunteering with children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and walking dogs at the Austin Animal Center. With the work I do through my community, my professional goal in life is to become a clinical psychologist. I am a very empathetic and passionate person, which stems from my Irish roots. My paternal ancestors hail from Kildare and my maternal ancestors emigrated from Dublin. Hooleys were very popular in all households, and as kids, we would perform skits and songs during family gatherings. In my free time, I love to country dance, play Gaelic Football, and try to find the best vegan spots in town. I am excited for my journey through Ireland, making life-long friendships, and meeting inspirational and motivated women!

WASHINGTON DC SIOBHÁN SPIAK

Hi there! My name is Siobhán and I am 29 years old. I am honored to represent my nation’s capital and its Irish-American community as the 2023 Washington, DC Rose. I was born and raised in Arizona, but moved to Washington, DC - also known as ‘the district’- for college and never looked back! I work as a government contractor in public diplomacy programming. When not at work, you can find me running on trails through Rock Creek Park, visiting the local farmers market, and exploring different events in the District’smany neighborhoods. I love traveling and am always open to new experiences. My maternal grandmother is from Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, and she emigrated to the United States in 1951. We have an extremely close relationship and I spent most of my childhood summers going back to Ireland with her and my mother to visit our family home there. It feels great to go back to what I consider my second home, for the Rose of Tralee International Festival. I’m talkative, curious, and am always down for a good laugh! I look forward to Tralee, meeting so many amazing, inspiring women, and having this incredible adventure!

WEXFORD BRÓNAGH HOGAN

My name is Brónagh Hogan, I’m 25 years old and from Killegney, Co. Wexford. It is a dream come true to be the 2023 Wexford Rose. In 2019 I graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Mary Immaculate College and I teach in Kilrane NS. I have a grá for learning, which led me to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies and a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education. One day, I hope to undertake a doctorate and become an educational psychologist. One of my other main passions in life is the stage. I have been performing since the age of four, from musicals to Scór na nÓg. Most recently I was involved in Wexford Drama Group’s production of The Father, which we were lucky enough to perform in The Abbey Theatre. I also love to travel, my most memorable experience being volunteering with the Badjao tribe in the Philippines. I am overwhelmed with the support the people of Wexford have shown to me during my Rose journey and I am beyond excited for the adventures that lie ahead as the Wexford Rose.

In the far fields of India, mid war’s dreadful thunders,

But the cold hand of death has now torn us asunder

I’m lonely tonight for my Rose of Tralee.

Congratulations to our Rose Escorts, the 32 gentlemen who will accompany our Roses during their packed programme of engagements throughout this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival.

Each of the 32 Benetti Menswear Rose Escorts have been gifted with exquisite 'James Peak Lapel Tuxedo’ from the Benetti Menswear brand for the Live TV Shows. This tuxedo is tailored from luxurious fabrics in a neat and tapered profile. It has satin peak lapels that lends itself to a retro quality, while broadening your shoulders. In addition, the Winner of the Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the year will receive a prize valued at €2,000, from Benetti Menswear.

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

ANTÓIN TRAVERS ARDAUTO.ie BRANDON BOYLE Ryan’s of Camden Street & De La Salle Palmerston RFC

COLIN PALMER The Camross Inn & Coolrain Sawmills CJ Sheeran Group

DAMIAN BURKE Setenta Liam Hennessy Manix Ennis & Ecolect

AARON RATH Muddy Murphy Holdings & Physio 101

ALEX KENNY National Flight Centre Pilot Academy

DAN O’DONOVAN Tom O’Donovan of O’Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty

DAVEY JACKSON An Pùcàn

DAVID MURPHY Dan Murphy’s Bar EOIN GUINEY Burkes Homevalue, Kanturk & Murlyn Civil Engineering Ltd

EUAN MCDONNELL GVM Tullamore JACQUES CHAHIN Martin Fahy Menswear

JOE WALSH ABP Rathkeale & Richie Whelan’s Menswear

KILLIAN WOMACK The Estate of Joseph C. Crudden & The Texas Rose of Tralee Organization

LIAM GREGORY The Arklow Bay Hotel

MALACHY LYNCH STS Group, Waterford MARK DUNNE LSM Engineering Ltd & Property Partners

MICHAEL DONOGHUE EJ Menswear, Sligo & Durkin’s Bar, Restaurant and Guesthouse, Ballaghaderreen

MICHAEL NAUGHTON Mullaney’s Harborside Fish Market

NIALL MCCARTHY MJK Oils Clondrohid

ROSE ESCORTS BOOTCAMP

WE’RE proud to introduce the 32 young gentlemen who have been hand-picked as the 2023 Benetti Menswear Rose Escorts! They were selected from a huge group of applicants aged between 21 and 31 who applied via the Rose of Tralee website to take part in this year’s Festivities.

To make it to the final, they we were vetted, interviewed, and put through their paces in the form of several endurance tests and team-building exercises at a boot camp before they could graduate as fully-fledged Rose Escorts.

This year’s Rose Escort Boot Camp took place in June and was supported by Kerry County Council. Their experience started when they arrived at the Meadowlands Hotel, our sponsor hotel and masters of all things hospitality in Kerry, where the boys were given an intense briefing and run down on what exactly will be expected of them during the Rose of Tralee International Festival. This was followed by them being put through their paces in Siamsa Tíre in Tralee and taught the basics of traditional Irish dancing where they finished

the session by dancing out the doors in a line á la ‘Riverdance’!

Next, in the early hours of the Saturday morning, the guys travelled to the Eclipse Adventure Centre in Kenmare where they took part in a range of activities including kayaking, obstacle courses & fitness tests and were pushed to their limits! To add to the intensive weekend of activities, they also faced a tough challenge at Tralee Fire Station where the local fire officers put them through their paces.

The entire Rose Escort team (who did not go easy on the lads!) wishes to thank everyone who contributed to the programme of events, ensuring that these young Irishmen are prepped and ready for the Festival and have formed a strong and lasting bond to show a united front for the Roses as they welcome them to Tralee on Friday 18th August.

One of these 32 gentlemen will be selected as the Benetti Menswear Rose Escort of the Year live on RTÉ One on Monday 21st August, to represent the class of 2023. Wishing each of you the very best of luck!

NOEL QUINN Eddie Murphy Menswear Ballyhaunis & Mulroy’s Service Station Castlebar

PARAIC BEHAN Elizabeth Mitchell PAUL RUANE Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel and Spa & Aurivo Co-operative Society Ltd

REECE HAMILTON Irish Cancer Society

SHANE CUMMINS Kavanagh Painting Solutions

STEPHEN GILL PF. Gill Ltd & Drummonds Ltd

STEPHEN LALLY McCabe’s Pharmacy Group

THOMAS CUNNINGHAM McLoughlin’s SuperValu Portarlington & Mountmellick Credit Union

THOMAS ROSSITER Rossiter Shoe Repairs

TIMMY DUNNE Café Chris-Tea

TIMOTHY BUCKLEY Veterinary Centre Listowel

TOMMY QUIRKE Tir na nÓg Early Years Care and Educational Centre Ltd

©DomnickWalsh

©DomnickWalsh

GEORGE MURPHY AND THE RISING SONS

Music

Amusements & Circus

Led by Kerry County Council in collaboration with Tralee Vintners and supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance Fáilte Ireland and the wider business community in the town, this festival perfectly showcases the unique spirit and charm of Tralee and County Kerry.

Family Events

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

Wellness Zone

The festival captures the rich heritage and culture of Tralee and the town’s wonderful legacy of hosting spectacular events.

©Domnick Walsh

©Domnick Walsh

©DomnickWalsh

©Domnick Walsh

©Domnick Walsh

On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Selection of any of our Rose of Tralee Alumni, we like to take the opportunity to celebrate. We hold so dear all of our Roses of Tralee and we are so honoured to see them return en masse, year after year, in support of this great Festival.

Veronica Blennerhassett CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

1973 ROSE OF TRALEE

In 1973, 19-year-old Belfast born Veronica McCambridge became the Rose of Tralee –the second Belfast Rose to have done so. It changed her life completely! Like a fairy tale of old, Veronica fell madly in love with her Rose Escort, Rowland Blennerhassett, and moved to Tralee where they married and had three children.

What did you know about the Rose of Tralee Festival when you entered and what did the application process involve?

The first time I heard about the Rose of Tralee was in 1965 when I was at my school morning assembly and the Head of the school announced that a former pupil Therese Gillespie had won the Rose of Tralee. There was thunderous applause and really enthusiastic cheering and the whole school got off homework. Thanks a million Therese!

A few years later a really good friend of mine who absolutely loved the Festival entered my name in the Belfast heat of the competition as a complete surprise and that actually changed my life for ever!

What was your life like at the time? I was living in West Belfast and was helping my mother run our family business. At the time the Troubles were very severe, there was constant rioting and a very large number of the British Army had moved to the large GAA Club area directly opposite my family home. Overnight they built huge ramps on the main road that separated

us and installed really high lookout towers with massive lights. Because of all the civil unrest there were no buses running and security searches of many of the surrounding homes were ongoing alongside constant army patrols. I was one of eight children, and it was a constant challenge for all of us, especially my parents. So, the amazing timing of the Rose of Tralee had a deeply joyous effect on my family and the whole community.

Paint us a picture of the whole experience leading up to the Selection night. It was held in Belfast city and I did an interview with the judges and it was really very straightforward. It was very low-key - It was a dance, and they did the interviews before that, and then they announced the winner and there was a disco afterwards.

I could not believe how absolutely incredible the atmosphere was when the Roses arrived in Tralee, the crowds were huge, and they were all cheering us so enthusiastically. Everywhere we went there was such warmth and happiness. There was a whirlwind of constant entertainment, meeting amazing people and all of us together sharing in the fun. The Festival team and all the dedicated volunteers seemed to work their hearts out to make this all happen and it’s something I still remember and appreciate.

Brendan O’ Reilly was the MC and he along with the judges were so supportive making all the Roses feel at ease. I have very fond memories of Brendan and the judges, in particular Bobby Howick of Guinness.

How was the Rose Parade in 1973?

The whole town came to a standstill as people gathered well beforehand to get in the best position and cheer all of us on our floats. Most were made by local people and on the first night of the parade the design of my float was of the most endearing thatched Irish Cottage. I will always remember how everything looked so magical and it seemed like so many had come to welcome us.

Can you remember the questions that you were asked onstage?

My interview on stage that night seemed to fly by in seconds, Brendan somehow made me feel l was talking only with him, about my life, ambitions, living in Belfast and what the future might hold for Northern Ireland. I remember saying that peace had to come finally and succeed with reconciliation over all the sadness. My father was the Bursar of Corrymeela Reconciliation Centre in Ballycastle at the time and my family were the first Catholics to participate in meeting Protestant families from North Belfast.

Do you remember the moment your name was called out as the Rose of Tralee? I will never ever forget the absolute shock

on hearing my name and suddenly I was surrounded by all the Rose participants hugging and kissing me and within what seemed like a flash, the incredible Liam Heaslip was singing the Rose of Tralee. Crowds were packed in Denny St where the outside stage was at the Ashe Memorial Hall, and it was surreal to see below me this sea of people with fireworks lighting up their smiling faces.

Were there many other entrants in 1973?

There were 28 Roses from all over the world including Australia, America, and all over Europe. One Rose was as amazing as the next and I feel very privileged to have shared that special time with them and hearing from some of them over the many years, together sharing the lovely snippets as our lives progressed.

What was the town like during the festivities? Tralee town was so very different to anything that I had ever seen before, it was my first time in Kerry and for me seemed a huge contrast to any town in Northern Ireland. It had for example still some farmers bringing the milk to the creamery on, believe it or not, a donkey and cart. They would queue up in Ashe St as they waited with their churns for the creamery to open. Having more than well over 50 pubs in the town, the locals were certain there was no chance of any of them ever getting too thirsty! During the Festival all the streets were lit up and the whole town was buzzing, hotels absolutely booked out and every bed in the vicinity promised to those that were lucky enough to find one. Some of my family travelled from Belfast including my darling mother and two of my six sisters. I honestly don’t believe any of us thought that the Rose of Tralee would be such a huge event and I know as a little family group we were overwhelmed. I recall having to borrow and actually smuggle across the border some of my older sisters clothes to wear during the week!

What about the Escorts at the time - Tell us about meeting your Escort Rowland, who later became your husband? A few weeks before going to Tralee I was staying with my sister in Dublin for the weekend as she was training with Aer Lingus. We went to what we called in those days a “Dance” at a nearby hotel. I met a lovely guy whose name was Rowland Blennerhassett. On my

then discovered it was a distant cousin with the same name who I had been with that evening, what a truly incredible coincidence! After that we were inseparable, falling madly in love and marrying the following April, quite a whirlwind.

How has the Festival affected your life? My life changed completely after the experience of winning the Rose of Tralee, I was so happy to be actually living in Tralee and having such a wonderful place to raise my family. I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity of living in the beautiful County of Kerry which I love with all my heart.

How would you compare the Festival now, relative to 1973? The Festival is so very different now compared to 1973, in those days it was run by so many generous volunteers and the people of the town were really involved. Now it has become so large and therefore naturally needs to be run as a business. This has now become very challenging as running costs are so much greater and overall responsibility has become even more significant. Its impressive that all who are involved rise to the challenge with such dedication from year to year achieving so much success.

experience. It brought so much joy to me and all of those I love. One of the greatest parts of this is that I have incredible friendships with the Roses of Tralee throughout all the years. We join each other to share time together on a regular basis, it is a deeply treasured privilege and I often feel overwhelmed by how amazing each and every one of them are.

Would you recommend Irish women to enter the Rose of Tralee International Festival today? Absolutely, it’s so unique – it’s not like anything else, anywhere! It is the chance of a lifetime! It is remarkable when I think of it. The whole ethos of it is really, really lovely, because there is so much behind the layering of what makes all the Roses different! They’re all unique and they are incredible women. It’s a great adventure.

What is the most lasting memory that you have of the Festival? The impact of all the terrific people that I have known and grown to admire over the years through the Festival is so special, I will never forget the warmth and genuine charm and goodness of so many at the time and ever since.

What is your life like now in 2023? It is a gift to live here in Kerry and now being retired, living in the very beautiful town of Kenmare. I will always remember with great affection where I came from, Belfast will always be with me, but Kerry is forever in my heart.

1966 Laraine Stollery NEW ZEALAND

1967 Anne Foley BIRMINGHAM

1968 Eileen Slattery CLARE

1969 Cathy Quinn DUBLIN

1970 Kathy Welsh HOLYOKE

1971 Linda McCravey MIAMI

1972 Claire Dubendorfer SWITZERLAND

1973 Veronica McCambridge BELFAST

1974 Maggie Flaherty NEW YORK

1975

Maureen Shannon LONDON

1976 Marie Soden NEW YORK

1977 Orla Burke WATERFORD

1978 Liz Shovlin PENNSYLVANIA

1979

Marita Marron BELFAST

1980 Sheila O’Hanrahan GALWAY

1981 Debbie Carey BIRMINGHAM

1982 Laura Gainey PETERBOROUGH

1983 Brenda Hyland WATERFORD

1963 Geraldine Fitzgerald BOSTON

1964 Margaret O’Keeffe

TRALEE

1965 Therese Gillespie BELFAST

1984 Diane Hannagen LIMERICK

1959 Alice O’Sullivan DUBLIN

1960 Theresa Kenny CHICAGO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH 11.30AM: Welcome the Roses to Tralee at the Meadowlands Hotel

Rose of Tralee Fashion with dresses throughout the decades will be on display every day from 9.30am-5pm

KERRY COUNTY MUSEUM

The Rose of Tralee Historical Exhibition includes memorabilia donated by past Roses and archive material celebrating the Festival

KERRY LIBRARY

Join our International Roses, Rose Escorts, Centres and Teams for a great night of entertainment from 11pm to 2am nightly

MEADOWLANDS HOTEL

Spills & thrills for all the family to enjoy BIRDS AMUSEMENTS

Ireland’s most famous and best-loved Circus

FOSSETTS CIRCUS

Midnight Madness: Meet the 2023 Rose of Tralee

DENNY STREET STAGE

MONDAY & TUESDAY: RTÉ ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL SELECTION NIGHTS

FESTIVAL SESSIONS: TRALEE BARS & HOTELS HOST LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEK

WED AUG 16 WED AUG 23

WISHING ALL THE INTERNATIONAL ROSES THE VERY BEST OF LUCK FROM THE FOSSETT FAMILY & MANAGEMENT OF IRELAND'S NATIONAL CIRCUS

Rose of Tralee International Festival

THE HOPE FOUNDATION works to free slum-connected and street-dwelling children and poor families from lives of pain, abuse and poverty. It funds and operates over 60 projects to restore childhoods with love and care.

CLIONA’S FOUNDATION is a National charity with their office in Limerick that provides financial assistance directly to parents of children with life-limiting or chronic complex care needs across Ireland to help with the non-medical expenses related to caring for their child. Since its launch, Cliona’s Foundation has raised in excess of €3.5 million and has helped more than 1,200 families across 31 Counties.

BARRETSTOWN offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness – supported behind the scenes by 24-hour on site medical and nursing care. All of the children and families come to Barretstown free of charge. Barretstown is supported by donations and the fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals and community groups.

THE HAPPY KIDS FOUNDATION aims to provide equal opportunities for every child to achieve their life goals, now and in the future. The foundation runs 17 Family Children’s Homes with a maximum of 8 children each, and actively supports foster parenthood and public institutions in the process of deinstitutionalization of foster care. It also organises training for candidates for foster parents.

THE ROSE OF TRALEE

STORY

ARY O’Connor lived in the middle of Tralee town, in Brogue Lane, which took its name from the brogue makers (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 very stiking; 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 Sports Direct in Tralee.

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, coachmen, gardeners and farmhands.

Michael died of a fever in 1828, so Margaret Mulchinock was head of the household when Mary O’Connor started working in the kitchens of West Villa. Also living in the house were Margaret’s sons William Pembroke, Edward, Henry, her daughters Maria and Anne.

Mary O’Connor was delighted to be given employment at West Villa, and soon Margaret’s daughter, Maria, seeing that Mary was intelligent and kind to her children asked her to be maid to her daughters Anne and Margaret.

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:

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.

Mary and William began to meet each other every day by the well in the grounds of West Villa, that looked out over the sea and mountains. Sometimes they walked down Lover’s Lane or up to Clahane to dance.

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.

the

William refused to give up. He wrote a song for Mary to try and convince her otherwise.

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.

But Mary still refused to marry him.

The next evening, after attending a political rally in town, William went to visit Mary at West Villa and gave her a ring which he placed on her finger. Suddenly the door burst open and a friend of William’s rushed in to inform him that William had

been accused of the murder of a man at the rally. Two men had got into a fight and as leader of one of the rebel groups challenging the upcoming election, 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 on a wine ship that was leaving that night. William kissed Mary goodbye and told her he would return soon.

William made his way to India where he worked as a war correspondent. Here he met an officer from Limerick who asked William what had bought him to India. When William told him the officer said he would use his influence to get William returned to Ireland, and to Tralee, a free man.

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 at the graveyard in Clogherbrien next to his true love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.

You can visit Mary O’Connor’s grave at the graveyard in Clogherbrien by taking the Fenit road out of Tralee and the graveyard is on the right hand side.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

An Tóstal was a series of festivals around the country launched in 1953 to celebrate all that was great and good about Irish life. From this concept emerged the inaugural Rose of Tralee Festival (or Festival of Kerry as it was then called) in 1959. Before The Tóstal Festival was phased out in 1958 it gave inspiration to the founders of the Rose of Tralee Festival to create an event that would attract ‘Roses’ from ex-patriate communities. The idea for the Rose of Tralee International Festival came when a group of local business people met in Harty’s bar, Tralee to come up with ideas to bring more tourists to the town during the horse racing meeting and to encourage expats to return to their native Tralee. So it was that the first Rose of Tralee Festival was held in 1959 with Rose representatives from Tralee, London, Dublin, Birmingham, and New York. At the time each Rose had to be a native of Tralee, but this condition was relaxed in the early sixties to be a native of Kerry, and in 1967 “Irish birth or ancestry” became the criterion.

THE FIRST TELEVISED ROSE EVENT

The Gala International Rose Ball was introduced in the seventies, as was the involvement of Irish Cultural Organisations including Siamsa Tíre, the band of An Garda Siochána and US military bands. Teilifís Éireann first broadcast Rose Selection live in 1967 from a stage outside the Ashe Memorial Hall. Compere for TV was the late Joe Lynch (Dinny from RTÉ TV soap Glenroe). The show also featured a major parade of entertainers in front of the stage. Rose Selection has been compered by Kevin Hilton, Joe Lynch, Terry Wogan, Brendan O’Reilly, Michael Twomey, Gay Byrne, Kathleen Watkins, Derek Davis, Marty Whelan, Ryan Tubridy, Ray D’Arcy and most recently by Kerryman Dáithí Ó Sé. This year will feature copresenters for the first time ever, with Kathryn Thomas teaming up with Dáithí Ó Sé to host the show.

Beneath

pale moon William asked Mary to marry him

THE SONG

The Rose of Tralee Festival is based on the love song ‘The Rose of Tralee’ by William Mulchinock.

The story behind the famous song is that of a 19th century wealthy merchant who fell in love with Mary O’Connor his maid. Mary who was born in Tralee worked as a nanny. William describes in the song how it was love at first sight but because of the difference in social class between the two families, their love affair was discouraged. William emigrated and years later returned to Tralee only to discover Mary had died of tuberculosis. He was broken hearted and expressed his love for her in the now famous song ‘The Rose of Tralee’.

The pale moon was rising above the green mountain, The sun was declining beneath the blue sea; When I strayed with my love to 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.

The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading And Mary all smiling sat listening to me; The moon through the valley her pale rays were shedding When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee.

DID YOU KNOW?

The words of the song are credited to Edward Mordaunt Spencer and the music to Charles William Glover, but many believe that the song was written by Tralee Poet William Pembroke Mulchinock out of love for Mary

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 a solace and comfort to me, But the cold hand of death has now torn us asunder I’m lonely tonight for my 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.

O’Connor, a maid who worked in the Mulchinock household.

TWINNINGS

We thank the pubs who have sponsored this year’s Rose Pub Twinning event from 3.30pm to 5.30pm Sunday 20th August. Meet your favourite Roses, take a selfie, grab an autograph and a refreshing drink in great company! These pubs will be the “homes” to the families and supporters of this year’s Roses for the duration of the Festival, so don’t be a stranger!

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE ROSE ESCORTS 2023