Roses With Kerry Connections Have Amazing Time In Tralee

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Perth Rose Denise Lynch, Boston and New England Rose, Sarah Hogan, London Rose Aisling Hillary and Kerry Rose Julett Culloty visiting Kerry Jigsaw on Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean

WHILE the Kerry Rose has had great support locally, there’s another few contestants this year who’ve had had the backing of people from around the county.

The Darwin Rose, Caitriona Brennan, has relations in Castlemaine; Chelsea Thursby Milovanovic, the South Australia Rose’s grandfather came from Boherbee; Boston and New England’s Sarah Hogan is practically half a Ballymac woman (her dad Martin Hogan is a native of the parish), Toronto Rose Erika Healy’s dad is also from Tralee and Aisling Hillary of London has strong Castleisland connections.

But Perth Rose, Denise Lynch, has the closest connections to Tralee as she was born and reared in Ballyseedy. We asked her how the whole week has gone for her when we caught up with a few of the Roses on a  visit to Jigsaw Kerry on Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s been unbelievable. Even coming into Tralee on the bus I was handed the microphone, to give a tour of Tralee. I did not ever think I would be coming home as Perth Rose, let alone giving a tour to 31 ladies competing for the Rose of Tralee,” said Denise.

Her family, dad Clement mum Mary and sisters Sarah and Adrienne, as well as other friends and relatives are having a great time supporting her.

“They’re having a ball! They’re having more fun than myself I’d say. They’re seeing the festival in a whole new light now. They’re looking at it from an insider’s point of view, going to the ball and getting involved in all the activities,” she said.

For the London Rose, Aisling Hillary, it’s also a homecoming of sorts as her dad is from Castleisland.

“It’s been such a roller coaster ride. From start to finish, it’s been all positive and I’d encourage any young woman who’s thinking of applying to do it. You make some great friends,” said Aisling.

So how did she feel her interview with Dáithí went last night?

“It was really good, I was nervous because I was on first but once I’d done it I was excited because I could watch the rest of the girls,” said Aisling.

While on their visit to Jigsaw, the Roses heard about the great work that Jigsaw Kerry do providing mental health services to young people.

“We’re delighted that the Roses are here today to hear about the services we provide,” said Jimmy Mulligan, Project Manager at Jigsaw Kerry.

“We’re a free service for young people between the ages of 12 and 25 who would present with mental health needs. It’s important that we raise the our profile. We had a great representation in the Rose of Tralee 10k with over 30 people running wearing our shirts,” said Jimmy.

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Members of Jigsaw Kerry with the Roses on their visit to the centre on Edward Street on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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