Tag Archives: Maria Walsh

Entertainment

Former Rose Maria To Co-Host ‘The TV3 ‘Toy Show’ This Month

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Brian Ormond and Maria Walsh pictured at Tv3's Studio in Ballymount, Dublin when it was announced that they will be the hosts of this years Tv3 Toy Show . The Tv3 Toy Show will air on Friday 20th November at 9pm. Pictures Brian McEvoy No Repro fee for one use
Brian Ormond and Maria Walsh pictured at Tv3’s Studio in Ballymount, Dublin when it was announced that they will be the hosts of this years Tv3 Toy Show. Picture: Brian McEvoy – No Repro fee for one use

WELL that was quick!

No sooner has former Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, made her TV3 presenting debut on The Seven O’Clock Show this week, now she’s landed another high profile TV job.

TV3 has announced that she will co-present the The TV3 Toy Show with Brian Ormond on November 20 at 9pm.

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Last year’s 90-minute toy show pulled in an impressive average of 472,100 viewers.

The show will feature young Irish performers in dance and music and children will review toys ahead of the Christmas spending spree.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for me,” said Maria Walsh.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a part of a toy show. When TV3 approached me I was over the moon and I just thought this was right up my alley and something I could bring a lot of energy to and have loads of fun in the process.

“I love everything about Christmas and the magic it brings to children; I’m really looking forward to playing with all the kids and toys!”

 

Entertainment

Former Rose Maria To Co-Present TV3 Show

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Maria Walsh in an appearance on The Late Late Show last year. This Monday, she’ll be asking the questions.

WELL Maria Wlash did say she wanted to get a job in television and now she’ll get her chance when she co-presents TV3’s The Seven O’Clock Show next week.

The 2014 Rose of Tralee will step in for Lucy Kennedy on the popular show on Monday, November 2 and fill in for Martin King on the following Monday, November 9.

Maria, who proved one of the most popular Roses ever during her reign, expressed an interest in a TV career recently.

She said she is looking forward to co-hosting the show with Martin and Lucy in the coming weeks.

The Seven O’Clock Show airs weekdays at 7pm on TV3.

Entertainment, News

VIDEO: Watch Rose Of Tralee Maria Walsh Skydive Into Tralee In Excellent Clip

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Maria Walsh has been certainly making the most of her last few days as the Rose of Tralee.

MARIA Walsh has certainly had a busy week as she finishes up her reign as the current Rose of Tralee in style.

Only last Friday August 14, she completed her 242km ‘Trek2Tralee’ charity challenge which raised funds for three different charities in the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation, Development Perspectives and Barretstown.

She was back in the saddle as soon as possible however, as she took part in the Rose 10km run on Sunday morning finishing in a highly respectable time.

The piece de resistance of her last few days as Rose however, must surely be her completion of a charity skydive into Tralee Town Park yesterday evening.

The Rose Of Tralee Festival have uploaded the video of Maria completing the dive and by the looks of it, she certainly seems to have enjoyed it!

Check out the video by The Rose Of Tralee Festival below…

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News, Sport

Runners Encouraged To Join Maria On Her ‘Trek2Tralee’ Charity Challenge

 

Rose of Tralee 2014, Maria Walsh, in the Rose Garden in the Town Park on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh will be ‘Trekking 2 Tralee’ over the next few weeks to raise funds for charity. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE ROSE of Tralee Maria Walsh is gearing up to push herself to the limits over the next few weeks, all in the name of charity, as she prepares for the inaugural ‘Trek2Tralee’ event.

And local runners are being encouraged to come out and run with her on the home stretch into Tralee.

Maria will be joined by a team of fellow athletes as they attempt to run, walk and cycle the 242km distance down to the Kingdom.

Leaving Shrule in Mayo on Tuesday, August 11, she will be hoping to arrive in Denny Street just in time for the start of this year’s festival on Friday, August 14.

Along the way, she will be raising money for three charities in ‘Barretstown’, ‘Development Perspectives’ and the ‘Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation’ with members of the public invited to donate anything they can.

Runners are required to donate to the event before they can make the run, and will have to bring their donation receipt with them on the day of the run, August 14.

They can either run from the 11 mile distance from Castleisland into Tralee, or the much shorter distance of 3 miles, meeting at the Earl of Desmond Hotel.

For those looking to find out more about the ‘Trek2Tralee’ event or indeed those wishing to donate to the charities, you can do so through the website here.

Entertainment, News

Maria To Parachute Into The Park During Festival

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Rose of Tralee 2014, Maria Walsh, in the Rose Garden in the Town Park on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, in the Town Park, where she’ll be parachuting into during the festival. Photo by Dermot Crean

MARIA Walsh expects to literally drop into Tralee Town Park on Sunday, August 16 if she becomes the first Rose of Tralee to perform a parachute jump in the height of the Festival.

Landing in picturesque Tralee Town Park, the tandem jump, which is subject to licence, will form part of the biggest SkyFest Air Display ever to be staged during the Rose of Tralee International Festival.

This year’s show will feature the Irish Parachute Club, a late night pyrotechnic air display from brand new UK aerobatic team Aerosparx and the flying dentist, Eddie Goggins, who will enthral thousands of spectators with a roll rate of 420° per second and a climb rate of nearly 3,300 feet per minute in his CAP231 aircraft.

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The Event Controller for the Rose of Tralee, Bryan Carr, said: “Quite literally, the sky’s the limit when it comes to entertainment at the Rose of Tralee International Festival and the 2015 CPC.ie SkyFest Air Display from 4pm on Sunday 16th August will be another spectacular event. The viewing experience will be better for spectators who want to stay in the town centre to enjoy the Sunday entertainment and not have to rush away to see the SkyFest from another location. This year it will be easier for the festival-going public to see the daredevil stunts overhead as the best viewing area will be from the Town Park in the heart of Tralee.

The crowds can look up to the waving Winchman in the Irish Coast Guard Shannon-based Sikorsky S92 helicopter which will fly over the town centre and land in the Town Park. Another highlight of the air display will be David Bruton, an Aeronautical Engineer from Abbeyshrule, Co Longford who will perform stunts in the Sbach 342. The Garda Air Support unit will be on the ground in the Town Park during the air display, subject to availability.

Anyone who wishes to enjoy the CPC.ie SkyFest Air Display can do so from the centre of Tralee, while motorists will be urged to park their vehicles near the Dome and make the short walk to Denny Street.

Tralee-based company, CPC.ie, are the proud sponsors of the SkyFest Air Display. CPC.ie is Ireland’s leading Driver CPC and Transport Manager CPC Training Company delivering a quality of training at 30 Training Centres nationwide.

For more details of the CPC.ie SkyFest Air Display and other entertainment events during the Festival are available from www.roseoftralee.ie, Facebook and Twitter.

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle, News

Rose Maria Shows She’s Got Style At VIP Awards

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Maria Walsh won a VIP Style Award last night.

THE Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, is the most stylish newcomer in the fashion sector in Ireland after winning a top prize at the VIP Style Awards.

Winning the award in her category last night in The Marker Hotel, coincided with the Rose of Tralee International Festival being a finalist in the Best Festivals/Event Category at the inaugural Irish Tourism Industry Awards over in the DoubleTree Dublin Hilton.

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The Croke Park Classic American Football Game took the award in that category.

Kerry winners at the Tourism Industry Awards were the Adventure Travel World Summit in the Best Business Innovation Category and Kerry County Council who won the Best Local Authority Tourism Innovation Award.

The CEO of Kerry County Council, Moira Morrell, says the results are positive for the county as a whole.

“I think it’s a night to be very proud to be from Kerry. I’m delighted for Kerry County Council and Destination Kerry,” said Ms Morrell.

Beauty&Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

Do You Know Anyone Who Could Be Our Next Kerry Rose?

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Kerry Rose Mary Hickey and Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh launch the search for a Kerry Rose.

THE Rose of Tralee and Kerry Rose were in town at the weekend to help launch the search for the Mary Hickey’s successor.

There has been a lot of interest already in the Kerry Rose but organisers are putting the call out to young ladies to enter the competition.

Applications are now being taken online via the Rose of Tralee website (www.roseoftralee.ie)

Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh and Kerry Rose, Mary Hickey have just returned from a humanitarian trip to Vesnova Children’s Orphanage in Belarus with Chernobyl Children International.

Mary has had a busy time so far in her year as Kerry Rose, regularly being asked to attend events in the Kingdom.

“It’s been an incredible jam packed year full of amazing adventures! Highlights are making beautiful friendships, my trip to Belarus with Chernobyl Children International, and getting the opportunity to become involved with other wonderful charities such as the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation and the Kerry/Cork Health Bus,” said Mary.

We’ll also see Mary parading through the town again this year as she has the honour of being Grand Marshall at this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee.

The 2015 Kerry Rose Selection takes place at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Saturday, May 9. The event will be hosted by RTE Rose TV host and Kerry native Dáithí Ó Sé and tickets are available from the Rose of Tralee Festival office in Denny Street, Tralee.

Entertainment, News, SCHOOLS

PHOTOS: Rose Of Tralee Delights Pupils With Visit To Tralee School

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With Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh were, front row, from left: Amanda Breen, Siona Leahy, Taya Donaghy, Lucy Kingston, Liah Mclysheght, Anna McCarthy, Grace Kirby and Abrdad Babatuade. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
With Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh were, front row, from left: Amanda Breen, Siona Leahy, Taya Donaghy, Lucy Kingston, Liah McLysaght, Anna McCarthy, Grace Kirby and Abrdad Babatuade. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

A LOCAL school welcomed a lady who has made headlines around the world over the last six months.

Rose Of Tralee Maria Walsh is taking all the responsibilities of the title in her stride and had to especially be on the ball on Friday morning to handle the array of excellent questions being asked by the students of Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, Tralee.

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It’s been a whirlwind six months so far for the Rose Of Tralee winner, as she juggles commitments of her work with a fashion company back in Philadelphia, coupled  with the responsibilities that come with holding the prestigious position as ‘Rose’.

From answering how it felt to win the competition (“completely shell shocked and thinking that they must have made a mistake”) to trying to figure out how many pairs of ‘high heels’ she owned (she reckons around four to five comfortable pairs!) the kids were certainly got a lot of info from Maria.

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Rose Of Tralee Maria Walsh answers questions from the eager students of Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh this morning.

TraleeToday.ie was at the school and we got the chance to have a few words with Maria to talk about her day and what else she has been up to.

“It’s amazing to think that it’s been six months since it all happened. It was fantastic, and it’s been a very busy six months as well!” she laughed.

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Very busy indeed! Maria has been been to India with ‘The Hope Foundation’ and has recently travelled to all 32 counties in Ireland over 15 days. On her trip to the school, she was very happy with how it went.

“It’s been very nice to come back to Tralee, I turned on the Christmas lights at the end of November, but this is my first time back this year. It’s been great!” she said.

“They [the students] were telling me this morning all about their school here, and how excited they were that I was here. The whole thing has been fantastic. They had some very cool and great questions,” she concluded.

Scroll down for photos…

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Faustas Cesnadius with Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Faustas Cesnadius with Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
With Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh were, from left: Brona O'Carroll, Batty Coffey, Eva Lynch and Katelyn McBride. Photo by Gavin O'Connor
With Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh were, from left: Brona O’Carroll, Batty Coffey, Eva Lynch and Katelyn McBride. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Entertainment, News

Maria Walsh Launches Search For Rose Of Tralee 2015

 

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Maria Walsh celebrated Women’s Christmas at Cork Airport with RTÉ Host Dáithí Ó Sé , Airport Police officer Ciaran Walsh and fire officer Wilton Flynn where they launched the search for the 2015 Rose of Tralee. Photo By Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus

MARIA Walsh has travelled over 65,000 miles since becoming the Rose of Tralee, and she will travel hundreds more over the coming fortnight in a bid to find the 2015 Rose of Tralee.

Maria celebrated Women’s Christmas at The Loop in Cork Airport with RTÉ Host Dáithí Ó Sé where they announced details of her upcoming tour of Ireland which will see her visit schools, charities and iconic landmarks.

On Monday, January 12, travelling in her Kia Soul car, Maria will set off from the home of the Festival’s lead sponsor, Newbridge Silverware to visit 32 counties in 15 days to encourage young women to take part in the event.

Since being crowned as the 2014 Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh has travelled to Kolkata, India with the Hope Foundation, South Africa with Niall Melon Trust, walked the many stalls at the Ploughing Championship, stood on the green field of Croke Park wearing the Mayo colours and has spoken to many young people.

She will travel to Belarus with Chernobyl Children’s International in February, New York and Washington DC in March and down under to Australia in May.

An estimated 1,000 women aged between 18 and 27 will follow through on their Rose of Tralee applications and take part in selection events across Ireland and in 11 countries around the world this year.

The 2015 Rose of Tralee will win the a treasure trove of Newbridge Jewellery and Homeware from the lead sponsors, Newbridge Silverware, a World Travel Prize valued at €25,000 from The Loop at Dublin and Cork Airports and she’ll drive a Kia Soul car for the year of her reign, courtesy of Kia Motors Ireland and McElligotts Kia, Tralee.

The 2015 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from Friday 14th to Tuesday 18th August.

Full details on how to enter the Rose of Tralee in 2015 are available from www.RoseofTralee.ie, Facebook and Twitter or contact +353-66-7121322.

Entertainment, News

Maria Charms The Nation On ‘The Late Late’

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Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, on The Late Late Show on Friday night.

MARIA Walsh said the judges and committee had no idea that she was gay before she was crowned Rose of Tralee.

She was speaking on RTE’s ‘The Late Late Show’ on Friday night.

The 27 year old was asked about everything from coming out to her love of Mayo football.

She described the presentation of a signed Mayo jersey at Croke Park as “bar the crown and the [Rose of Tralee] sash, probably the greatest gift I’ve ever been given.”

On the gay issue, Maria said she had no problem with the newspaper article which appeared on the Sunday after her win, publicly announcing her sexuality.

“The newspaper reached out to me before it came out. I’ve been openly gay for two years…I’m very transparent, I’ve nothing to hide,” she said.

Maria said she found out she was gay two years ago when she walked into a room and met someone. That relationship ended but they remain friends.

She also said no-one on the Rose of Tralee committee knew about her sexuality because it never came up, but she said if she was asked the question she would have told them.

Maria was asked by Tubridy if she was comfortable about being a gay role model.

“I support it to a certain extent. Of course I do. If I can help one young person come out an deal with it in a positive way, my work as Rose of Tralee is complete,” she said.

As for the future, she has a lot travelling and charity work to do as Rose of Tralee but don’t be surprised if we see her on TV again after such a comfortable and professional interview.

News

Rose Of Tralee Boss Hits Out At ‘Misguided’ Critics

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Rose of Tralee International Chief Executive, Anthony O’Gara. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE Chief Executive of the Rose of Tralee International Festival has hit out at critics of the event in a strongly worded open letter.

Anthony O’Gara defended the festival and the Roses from what he sees as “zealous, angry, if perhaps, misguided social commentators” and said our festival is “by a country-mile the best festival in Ireland”.

“The Rose of Tralee is not all about: Paddy Whackery, Colleens on Parade, Stepford Wives tricked out as national stereotypes, flagrant misogyny or masquerading as Irish culture,” read the letter.

“We don’t have a 1950s ethos – we do have a proud history and each year the Roses reflect women as they are today. Their ethos is ours.
We are not interested in stereotyping women. We celebrate exceptional women and accept them as the proud people they are, whatever that might be.

Mr O’Gara said that commentators should “get over the outdated ‘lovely girls’ joke.”

“We don’t do more ‘mock Irishness’ or indulge in ‘plastic paddies’,” continued Mr O’Gara. “The 200,000 people who engage with us annually and the TV viewers are real people. To dismiss it, simply by forming opinions based on seeing elements of one of Ireland’s most popular TV shows each year, without attending the Festival is simply an excuse to trot out flagrant verbal rubbish for the sake of it.”

The Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, will appear on The Late Late Show on Friday night which, Mr O’Gara suggests, the critics should watch to see if it changes their mind.

“Let’s see if you don’t fall under the spell,” concluded the letter.

See the full text of the letter here.

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Orlagh Winters: You Gotta Love Our Rose Maria’s Style

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Orlagh Winters ProfileSTOP the clock, the Rose of Tralee came out as…a Mayo Supporter!

What a beautiful lady Maria Walsh is and what a wonderful response to her publicly saying that she is gay, not that it should even be considered as something different.

I do however understand how there has been so many column inches in the press as this is a first. It is heart-warming to read the response by Mr Rose of Tralee himself Anthony O’Gara.

“We are delighted that Maria was chosen as the Rose of Tralee. She is a wonderful person, an attractive intelligent woman and a very worthy winner who happens to be gay. Her sexuality will no doubt create some interest, hopefully all positive. She wants to be celebrated as Maria Walsh in the complete sense of her person and hopefully everyone will respect that,” read his statement.

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Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh.

For me personally I just love Maria’s style. She looked radiant throughout the entire festival and her dress choice on selection night was simply stunning. She broke the mould and went with a three quarter length dress that was teamed with the most breathtaking jewellery from sponsors Newbridge. There has never before been such a response to one of their items of jewellery on a contestant.

Local artist and milliner Rebekah Wall provided exquisite headpieces to Maria for her week in Tralee and Rebekah will also be sponsoring Maria with all her pieces for her year as Rose of Tralee. This is a great coup for Rebekah and will allow her talent to be showcased all over the world.

I have heard Maria described as a mixture between Halle Berry and Demi Moore, she is simply stunning and my God her skin is flawless. Her pixie hair style just seems to suit her personality and as do her tattoos. The fact that the story behind them is so personal to her actually makes them even more attractive.

Personally I think that Maria will be a marvellous ambassador for Tralee and I am really looking forward to following her style throughout the year.

 

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She will certainly have many opportunities to stamp her own style on the crown with the many public engagements that she will have ahead of her. She has sparked a new interest in the competition and with her individual look I know I am not alone in my anticipation in seeing what her wardrobe choices will be.

We wait with bated breath…

Until next week,

Stay sylish!
Orlagh xx

News

Video/Pictures: Rose Of Tralee Takes Ice Bucket Challenge In The Park

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SHE’S definitely a good sport is our new Rose of Tralee!

Maria Walsh accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge given by 2FM’s Breakfast Republic yesterday morning and she duly obliged.

At 11.30am she received a soaking from Escort Of The Year Conor Walsh in the fountain at Town Park, to the sadistic cheers of onlookers.

In fact she took two soakings as the ‘adjudicators’ deemed Conor didn’t get the hair the first time round.

She nominated three former Roses; the first Rose of Tralee Alice O’Sullivan, the 1989 Rose Sinead Boyle who was a judge at this year’s competition and 2005 Rose Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.

Fair play to you Maria!

See video below (apologies for poor audio)

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Escort of the year Conor Walsh has the honour of dunking a bucket of ice over new Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh after she was nominated for the 'Ice Bucket challenge' by 2FM's 'Breakfest Republic' radio programme. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Escort of the year Conor Walsh has the honour of dunking a bucket of ice over new Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh after she was nominated for the ‘Ice Bucket challenge’ by 2FM’s ‘Breakfest Republic’ radio programme. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Escort of the Year Conor Walsh gives encouragement to Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh after a bucket of ice was dunked over her. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Escort of the Year Conor Walsh gives encouragement to Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh after a bucket of ice was dunked over her. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
News

VIDEO: Rose of Tralee’s Brother In LA Reacts To Her Win

MARIA Walsh’s brother, Kevin, was watching the Rose of Tralee Selection from his home in Los Angeles last night.

Here’s how he reacted to his sister being crowned Rose of Tralee…

Post by Kevin Walsh.
Entertainment, News

Video/Photos: Thousands Greet New Rose On Denny Street

Rose of Tralee 2014 Maria Walsh looks out at the crowd on Denny St. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Rose of Tralee 2014 Maria Walsh looks out at the crowd on Denny Street on Tuesday night. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

A HUGE crowd gathered on Denny Street on Tuesday night to welcome the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and to enjoy the incredible firework display of Midnight Madness.

Before the big announcement came, a silence that seemed to last an age swept across Denny Street as we waited to hear who would be crowned the 2014 Rose of Tralee.

“Philadelphia!” shouted Dáithí while the crowd shouted and applauded. “I told you she’d win,” was familiar refrain that made its way around the street.

An expectant hum began to reverberate down the street, as many people enjoyed the crystal clear night and bobbed along to the music that pumped from the main stage to pass the time.

Finally floats packed with Roses were spotted and spirits were raised once again as people waited in anticipation for their new Rose. She arrived and took everything in her stride as she made her way out of the float and on to the main stage.

Barriers were taken in and the main bulk of the crowd drew near the main stage just in time to make the biggest cheer of the week when Maria Walsh raised her bouquet aloft.

Maria looked genuinely humbled and gave thanks to the people of Tralee in her speech.

To seal the deal, Country Music star Nathan Carter arrived on stage to serenade a Rose of Tralee, though this time, not Mary, but Maria.

Watch Nathan Carter sing ‘The Rose of Tralee’ to Maria Walsh, plus more photos below…

 

Country singer Nathan Carter sings the 'The Rose of Tralee' to the 2014 Rose, Maria Walsh. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Country singer Nathan Carter sings the ‘The Rose of Tralee’ to the 2014 Rose, Maria Walsh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
2014 Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh speaks to the crowd on Dennyb St. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
2014 Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh speaks to the crowd on Denny Street. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
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Maria Walsh celebrates her Rose of Tralee title with a wave to the cameras as fireworks go off in the background. Photo by Dermot Crean
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Jimmy Murphy, Dylan Murphy and Julia Murphy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Jimmy Murphy, Dylan Murphy and Julia Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Rebecca and Sarah Gahan, Caroline O'Sullivan, Elizabeth Lawlor and Stacy Wallis. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Rebecca and Sarah Gahan, Caroline O’Sullivan, Elizabeth Lawlor and Stacy Wallis. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
There were tears from the Darwin's Rose Nadile Moroney who was disappointed her Rose didnt win, she was with her mother Edele. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
There were tears from the Darwin’s Rosebud Nadile Moroney who was disappointed her Rose didn’t win.  She was with her mother Edel. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Patricia Obrisan, Christina Obrisan and Steven Obrisan. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Patricia Obrisan, Christina Obrisan and Steven Obrisan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Lidia O'Sullivan, Phillip O'Sullivan and Grace O'Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Lydia O’Sullivan, Phillip O’Sullivan and Grace O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Natasha O'Callaghan, Kelly O'Hallaran, Jacinta O'Hallaran and Shane O'Brian. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Natasha O’Callaghan, Kelly O’Halloran, Jacinta O’Halloran and Shane O’Brien. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: John Power, Ita Power, Joe Regan, Mary Power, Sandra O'Shea, David Power, Vincent Power, Elana O'Shea and Pascal Power. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: John Power, Ita Power, Joe Regan, Mary Power, Sandra O’Shea, David Power, Vincent Power, Elana O’Shea and Pascal Power. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Erica Shanahan and Eva Mullen. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Erica Shanahan and Eva Mullen. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Natasha O'Callaghan, Kelly O'Hallaran, Jacinta O'Hallaran and Shane O'Brian. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Natasha O’Callaghan, Kelly O’Hallaran, Jacinta O’Hallaran and Shane O’Brian. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Jules O'Sullivan, Emma Bear and Maurice O'Connell. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Jules O’Sullivan, Emma Bear and Maurice O’Connell. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
In Denny St awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Robyn Evans, Lara Evans, Sharon Evans, Lawrence Mullen, Gerard, Sean, and Majella Lonergan. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
In Denny Street awaiting the arrival of the new Rose of Tralee and Midnight Madness, were, from left: Robyn Evans, Lara Evans, Sharon Evans, Lawrence Mullen, Gerard, Sean, and Majella Lonergan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Part of the crowd in Denny St react to the announcement from the big screen that the Philadelphia Rose Maria Rose is the new Rose of Tralee. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Part of the crowd in Denny Street react to the announcement from the big screen that the Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh is the new Rose of Tralee. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

 

 

News

New Rose Of Tralee Maria Is Still Going For Mayo On Sunday!

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The newly crowned Rose of Tralee 2014, Maria Walsh, representing Philadelphia. Photo by Dermot Crean

SHE may be the new Rose of Tralee, but Maria Walsh is still going for Mayo on Sunday.

The 27 year old woman, representing Philadelphia, was born in Boston but moved to Shrule in Mayo back in 1994  and still holds allegiance to the red and green.

At the press conference immediately after being crowned the 2014 winner in the Dome, she was asked who she will be supporting on Sunday.

“Mayo of course. Mayo for Sam always,” she replied.

She was naturally shocked when her name was called out.

“It was very surreal. I don’t think it’s hit me. I’m extremely blessed to be representing them all [the Roses].”

When asked what was going through her head as she was going on stage tonight she joked; “I was just looking forward to kicking off the heels and having a wee dance later on.”

“I was very calm. With all my family and friends here and the fact that I was representing my centre, that was very calming,” she said.

Did she feel she was in contention?

“Not at all. We [the Roses] try to avoid all that. We just enjoyed all the moments together,” she said.

What is she looking forward to about the next 12 months?

“Getting out and getting more young, modern and educated and great women involved in this. It’s a huge organisation that provides so many opportunities and great moments and I think there is so many more intelligent and talented women that should be involved in this organisation and I think we should be pushing that,” she said.

And, in case you’re interested lads, she is single.

“I am indeed. But my father has very high ambitions for whoever is stepping in, so if they can pass my father and mother’s test we might give them an oul gander!” she said.