Laura Costello, Kerry Rose 2013 Gemma Kavanagh and Tom Vaughan pictured before the Kerry Rose Selection on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
By Dermot Crean
THE outgoing Kerry Rose said that whoever is chosen as the new Rose, they should savour the occasion and give it their all for the year.
Gemma Kavanagh from Killarney was speaking at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel before the Kerry Rose Selection took place on Friday night.
Mary Hickey from Rathmore was eventually chosen as the Kerry Rose just before midnight.
TraleeToday.ie asked Gemma how the year had gone.
“It’s been a fantastic year. It’s always been something I wanted to do and it has surpassed my expectations. Whichever lucky girl is picked tonight will go on to have great year,” said Gemma.
“I think the highlight of my involvement with the Rose of Tralee has been the friendships that I made as a result of it. The Cork Rose from 2013, Edel Buckley is here tonight and my escort from last year Tom Vaughan is here also with three other escorts. Around 15 Roses and escorts from last year went to New York in March and we were lucky enough to march in the St Patrick’s Day Parade down Fifth Avenue. Those friendships I made as Kerry Rose will continue.”
And any advice for the incumbent Rose?
“Just enjoy the year, savour it and give it your all throughout,” said Gemma.
Kerry Rose 2013 Gemma Kavanagh at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
