Mairead Cremins (Sandra’s Hair Salon), Jennifer Savage (Friends of Kerry General Hospital), Grace Kennelly (John F Maguire’s Pharmacy) and Siobhan Clifford (Siamsa Tire) at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel for their interviews on Sunday morning. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
THE Kerry Rose contestants were in Ballyroe Heights Hotel yesterday to take part in their individual interviews before the selection night which takes place this Friday at the same venue.
It’s been a hectic few weeks for the ladies which has seen them take part in a whistle stop tour around the county and a number of social engagements. We spoke to two Tralee contestants about how the preparations were going.
“The interviews were nerve-wracking coming up to it, but went completely fine in reality when we went in,” said Rose contestant Adele O’Herlihy representing Bella Bia. “I’m absolutely loving it, there’s a lot more to it then I thought there was, I didn’t realise there was going to be all these social evenings,” Adele said.
“I’ve met some amazing girls, that I can definitely see myself becoming friends with afterwards. I’m really looking forward to next Friday and whatever happens I’m sure we’ll have a good night anyway,” said Adele.
“It’s fantastic meeting so many people. It’s been such a positive experience so far,” said contestant Rosie McGrath from Ballyvelly.
“Whoever wins, best of luck to them. We’ll all be in the Dome come August supporting her on,” she said.
Rosie who is currently a Montessori teacher based in Dublin has an even more special relationship with the the festival – it was where her mother and father first met.
“My mother said if she had a daughter she would call her Rose and here I am,” she said.
Kerry Rose contestants at the Ballyroe Heights Hotel on Sunday morning for their interviews. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
