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.2014 Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh speaks to the crowd on Denny Street. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Maria Walsh celebrates her Rose of Tralee title with a wave to the cameras as fireworks go off in the background. Photo by Dermot CreanIn 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 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 Rosebud Nadile Moroney who was disappointed her Rose didn’t win. She was with her mother Edel. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
