THE Rose of Tralee International Festival has been awarded the Spirit of the Emirates, an accolade that is presented to people and organizations who are recognised for undertaking outstanding work to forge strong links with the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Dr Saeed Mohammad Al-Shamsi, presented the Spirit of the Emirates to the Rose of Tralee, Jennifer Byrne and the Managing Director of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara at a gala dinner in Dublin.
The event took place during the UAE National Day Celebration on Wednesday at the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
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Speaking to over 300 people, many of whom were high level diplomats, The Ambassador said: “The Rose of Tralee Festival has played a key role in bringing Ireland and the UAE closer together through its Centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We are immensely proud that the UAE people are held in such high esteem by the Rose of Tralee, thanks to the links created by the Irish community and Rose Centres in our country. The Rose of Tralee is a wonderful event that deserves to be recognised and appreciated for its role in connecting nations around the world.”
Dr Al-Shamsi and his wife attended the 2017 Rose of Tralee and he has made a commitment to continue to support the Festival in the years ahead.
The Managing Director of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara, said: “There are around five million people on this island with another 70 million Irish people in other parts of the world. The Rose of Tralee Festival was inaugurated with the intention of recognising and celebrating the International Irish community and the great benefits that they continue to bring to this small island of Ireland. It’s lovely to hear that it is appreciated and we thank his Excellency the Ambassador of the UAE for presenting us with the Spirit of the Emirates.”
You can greet the new Rose of Tralee when she and the other 63 Roses are on parade after midnight. It all ends with a massive fireworks display.
Just pray the rain stays away and, at the moment, it looks like we might be okay. It’s always a colourful highlight for all the family and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.
There’s loads of music on the streets after the parade, but the highlight has to be Abbaesque in The Square from 10pm.
The new-look Mall will be transformed into a market with both sides of the street lined with stalls selling all kinds of stuff. If you have children, try getting through without forking out for a inflatable Dora or another infernal fidget spinner!
There’s two exhibitions opening this morning. The Rose of Tralee historic exhibition in Tralee Library and 60 years of fashion exhibition at The Ashe Memorial Hall. Both are worth a look for a glimpse into the past.
