AN event management company has been selected and appointed by Kerry County Council to organise and oversee a festival of family and street entertainment in Tralee in August.
Tralee-based Shannon Star Entertainments Ltd., has been appointed to spearhead the planning of the line-up of activities to coincide with the Rose of Tralee International Festival, scheduled for August 18th to 22nd.
Working on behalf of Kerry County Council in collaboration with Tralee Chamber Alliance and the Tralee Vintners, the company has now began preparing a programme of events which will be announced and unveiled in the upcoming weeks.
THE Rose of Tralee Festival Chief Executive has issued a letter clarifying some of the proposed changes and attractions coming for the Festival this year.
Anthony O’Gara said he wanted to clarify what he terms as misinformation being spread on social media regarding the changes to the event this year.
He also said a new Dome structure will be located in the town centre this year to host concerts and other events.
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The open letter from Mr O’Gara reads as follows…
“Some misinformation has crept into the local public discourse, particularly online, in relation to our plans for Festival 2022.
We want to politely intervene to reassure local people, and our Rose family further afield, that the Festival is blooming anew after a two-year hiatus, and we have very exciting plans for the 2022 event.
Our plans for the 2022 Rose of Tralee International Festival include all the events that traditionally take place in town, the lights, parades, fireworks, family entertainment, street performances and much more.
They also include, moving the dome, be it on a slightly smaller scale of 1000 square metres, to a site in the centre of town, for five nights of concerts and festivity.
This is a very exciting development that will facilitate thousands of revellers by night, and children and families during the day. That guarantees an exciting weatherproof experience, and it will bring the Festival back to the heart of the community in Tralee.
We made a decision in 2019/2020 to find an alternative to the Dome, which was costing us almost €250,000 annually.
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That financial burden was creating unsustainable pressure for the Festival, whilst swelling the coffers of suppliers from outside the county.
That discussion was welcomed by our key partners, RTÉ, the Rose Hotel, and Kerry County Council along with the I.T.T. at the time, and we agreed that we would relocate to the brand new 2,000 square metre Kerry Sports Academy facility just built by the I.T.T.. Those discussions were ongoing when Covid closed us all down.
That decision is now even more compelling, as during Covid the I.T.T. and their Cork counterparts have established the MTU, which is such a positive development for Kerry and for Tralee.
We are now a university town! We have reengaged with the new entity, the MTU, and whereas our discussions are not concluded and are at a sensitive stage, we are confident that both parties can bring them to a successful conclusion.
In that event, we look forward to shouting from the rooftops during five hours of live TV in 2022, that the Rose of Tralee International Festival is coming from the newly formed Munster Technological University, allowing us to create a magical experience at this exciting venue for all the patrons who attend the Rose Ball and our Selection Nights.
We are also exploring some major opportunities to bring the crowds back to our Festival in Tralee during 2022, on a very big scale. Those plans are in the early stages, and we will not make any further comment on them for the time being.
We are so excited to have formed a new partnership with the local, four-star, family run, Meadowlands Hotel.
Whereas the popular Johnny Franks bar will continue to cater for the food and beverage requirements of regular customers, albeit with a Rosey tint added to their normal experience, the exclusive use of all the other facilities in the hotel will allow the Roses, RTÉ, our judges and our Rose team some quiet retreat. We will have the opportunity to plan, rest, and recuperate in that enchanting oasis on the Oakpark road.
We have enjoyed thirteen years on the Fels Point site, with four Hotel Groups, including the Rose Hotel for the past four Festivals.
Sadly, the commercial arrangements offered by the Rose Hotel were no longer viable for the Festival. We leave as friends, with great memories, and look forward to a wonderful experience in the four-star Meadowlands Hotel.
Finally, we are launching our Festival in Dublin on Friday next, the 11th of February. It is a very exciting time for us and whereas we have many challenges ahead, we are quietly engaging with business and civic authorities around the town and county to make sure that our long-anticipated return will be a huge success for everyone who has anticipated the August festivities, and something truly worth waiting for.
A FINE Gael councillor has called for Tralee Municipal District to ‘drive on’ a project which would provide a permanent home for the Rose of Tralee selection.
Cllr Jim Finucane raised the matter at Monday’s meeting of Tralee MD. He moved the motion that in light of the cancellation of this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival, that the Council makes the provision of a permanent structure for the festival/convention centre.
In reply, Kerry County Council said they sought expressions of interest in relation to the development options for the two sites at Fels Point Tralee, one of these sites was earmarked for tourism related activity which highlighted the need for a conference facility/dome at this location.
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This process outlined the potential for the site. A further procurement process and public engagement will be necessary in order to advance this proposal.
However, Cllr Finucane said the Council needed to drive this on themselves. He said they had major projects in the town in the past including the Jeanie Johnston, the steam train and the museum and the Council should take the lead on this.
He said that a drive should be initiated to include interested parties who wish to be part of this project or primary rejuvenation project for this town.
TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee Festival is brought to you by AIB Tralee…
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GARDAI in Tralee say that crowds are up this year so far at the Rose of Tralee Festival and there have been no major incidents.
Speaking of Radio Kerry’s ‘Talkabout’ programme this afternoon, Garda Niall O’Connor thanked the public for their support over the past few days.
“The interactions with the public have been phenomenally positive. The feedback we have been receiving is that the policing of the Festival has been excellent,” he said.
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However, Garda O’Connor said the gathering of teenagers at the big tree between Ivy Terrace and the Brandon car park is a drain on their resources.
“We’re advising parents not to let their children down there, it’s a huge drain on our resources, We’ve a sergeant and a number of guards dedicated to policing that area and when children are caught underage drinking, they are dealt with by the juvenile diversion programme. We’re not there to parent their children. At 12 o’clock we do clear that area. We do police it to the best of our ability,” he said.
Garda O’Connor said there haven’t been that many public order incidents during the Festival.
“From our perspective, it’s been a fantastic festival — numbers are up, arrests are down. There haven’t been many public order incidents and where there have been, they’ve been isolated and dealt with quickly,” added Garda O’Connor.
Meanwhile a number of items have been handed into Tralee Garda Station during the festival. They include a black purse containing cash found on AbbeyCourt on Friday, cash found on Sunday on Castle Street, a Mitsubishi car key, two men’s wallets and a house key with an owl key ring on it. If these sound familiar contact Tralee Garda Station on 066-7102300 or call down in person.
THE Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of six Kerry events to share over €111,000 in funding as part of its 2019 Regional Festivals & Participative Events Programme from Failte Ireland.
The Festival will receive €30,000. Listowel Writers Week will also receive €30,000. Dingle’s Other Voices music festival will get €15,000, the Dingle Marathon receives €10,000, Bikefest in Killarney will get €12,000 and Quest Killarney Adventure Race will receive €14,000. The funding was announced earlier today by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.
NEXT year is a very special one for the Rose of Tralee International Festival as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
It’s already been announced that there will be no regional finals and centres will put forward a Rose every two years (apart from Kerry, Cork and Dublin) resulting in just 32 Roses coming to Tralee next year for the festival.
Now, in another change, it’s been decided that the Festival will move back a few days. It will start on Friday, August 23 and the 2019 Rose of Tralee will be announced on Tuesday, August 27.
For the past number of years the Festival has started slightly later than mid-August (this year it began on August 17), but next year will bring it closer to what it used to be years ago, with the winner announced closer to the end of the month.
THE Tralee Municipal District Operations Department has approved a plan to mark the location where the Rose of Tralee festival was founded.
Cllr Norma Foley put forward a motion at the Tralee MD meeting on Monday that, in advance of the 60th anniversary of the festival next August, a plaque should be erected at the old Harty’s Bar on Castle Street (now Baily’s Corner).
This is to be done in co-operation with the building’s owners, the Rose of Tralee International Festival and all interested parties.
Cllr Foley welcomed the support of the Council and said she hoped this would be just one of a number of events to mark a milestone year in the Festival’s history.
Issue arose this year about the ticket-only concerts in The Square.
THE Mayor of Tralee has met with representatives of the Rose of Tralee Festival to discuss the positives and negatives of the event this year and dealing with issues in the future.
Yesterday morning, at a meeting of Tralee Municipal District councillors, Mayor Terry O’Brien said the Festival contributes enormously to the town and changes this year – including the addition of 32 Roses – brought more people into Tralee to stay, resulting in all the hotels and B&Bs being booked out.
He commended the Festival organisers, volunteers and the Council workers for making it such a successful event.
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However, he said issues arose this year with regard to street entertainment and the concerts in the Square and it was decided among the councillors to arrange a meeting with the Rose of Tralee festival about next year’s event.
“There were a couple of negatives this year, but I personally felt these were played upon,” said Mayor O’Brien. “There was a very negative social media campaign and there was an element who wanted to focus on one or two issues brought up and this was constantly regurgitated over and over again. I think that was unfortunate. We don’t want to shoot the goose that laid the golden egg. It [the Festival] is very important to Tralee and very important to Kerry,” he said.
Cllr Toireasa Ferris said the positives about the Festival greatly outweighed the negatives and when there are changes there is going to trial and error involved. She said many people take time off work to get involved with the Festival giving of their time for free and was she appalled at the level of abuse directed at volunteers for decisions that they did not make.
She commended all the volunteers involved. Cllr Ferris said lessons were learnt and she had a few small concerns she would like to discuss with the organisers, but overall the Festival is a huge asset to the county.
Cllr Norma Foley also commended the Festival and said the Women in Business aspect of the festival was fantastic. She also said there were a few decisions made which some would regard as mistakes, so the more consultation involved the better.
Cllr Graham Spring also commended the Festival, but said when there are any changes the business community in town needs to be consulted.
Mayor O’Brien met with representatives of the Rose Festival on Monday afternoon. He described it as a productive meeting where they discussed a number of issues, including putting a mechanism in place that when issues arose during the Festival, the Council would get involved and help the Festival resolve them as soon as possible.
.Margaret Dwyer with Anthony O’Gara pictured at the 50th anniversary of the Rose of Tralee festival in 2009. Photo: Rose of Tralee Facebook
THERE is sadness in town and far beyond this morning, at the news of the death of Margaret Dwyer, one of the first members of the Rose of Tralee International Festival in 1959, at the age of 97.
Ms Dwyer, who died yesterday, came to Kerry soon after World War 2, a conflict in which her husband Johnny Dwyer lost his life. She was a vital contributor to the festival and community groups over the past decades and everyone who knew this independent, strong-willed, wonderful person will be saddened by her passing.
Anthony O’Gara Executive Chair of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, issued a statement about her contribution to the festival over the years.
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“It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Margaret Dwyer. The late Florence O’Connor, a fellow founding member of the Festival once said: “If you want to make sure a job is done quickly and efficiently get the women to do it.”
One of the women he had in mind was Margaret Dwyer. She became the first Lady President of the Festival of Kerry, as it was known, back in 1970 and with her presidency came a new approach to attract more sponsorship which remains necessary for continued growth and development. This helped pave the way to make the Rose of Tralee one of Ireland’s most famous and important family festivals to the present day.
The contribution of Margaret to the development, growth and long-term success of the Rose of Tralee International Festival from 1959 to 2003 and indeed to the town of Tralee through her role in the local business sector, has been immense. She will be sadly missed and we extend our sympathy to her sons Ryle and Sean.”
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy has also paid tribute to Ms Dwyer.
Cllr McCarthy said that Margaret Dwyer’s contribution to tourism in Tralee was exemplary not least through her involvement with the Rose of Tralee International Festival.
“Margaret Dwyer was a dedicated and long-standing member of the Rose of Tralee committee and was an outstanding ambassador and advocate for the festival and for Tralee.
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Margaret’s family at this sad time. May she rest in peace,” said Cllr McCarthy.
President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, John Drummey said: “We send our sympathy to the family of well-known Tralee lady, Margaret Dwyer who has passed away. An original member and former President of the Festival of Kerry, Margaret was also very proactive member of the business community in Tralee. Margaret was the first member of Tralee Chamber Alliance which was founded in 2012. May she rest in peace.”
.Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan and Dáithí O’Sé in Cork where they announced details of the 2016 Rose of Tralee International Festival with more Roses and a longer Festival. They also started the search for next year’s Rose of Tralee. Photo By : Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD
ROSE of Tralee Elysha Brennan and RTÉ’s Dáithí Ó Sé celebrated Women’s Christmas in Cork where they announced details of the 2016 Rose of Tralee International Festival today.
Taking place from August 17-23, the 2016 Rose of Tralee International Festival will run for seven days featuring 68 Roses, 68 Rose Escorts, more family entertainment and an extra night’s TV coverage.
Elysha will embark on a month-long tour of Ireland to share that positive news with Irish women aged between 18 and 27 who may have ambitions to become her successor in 2016.
Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan, who came through the Regional qualifiers as the 2015 Meath Rose said: “This is great news for anyone who considers entering the 2016 Rose selection in their regions. Whoever is picked as their 2016 county, city or country Rose will travel to Tralee in August. Such is the continued success of the Rose of Tralee on TV, RTÉ are introducing a third night of Rose of Tralee TV coverage from next year onwards. The Festival itself has also been extended from five to seven days and 68 Roses will travel to Tralee to enjoy the full festival.”
For the past 11 years most of the Roses had to travel to the midlands at the end of May to take part in a qualifying event to try and make it through to the televised stages of Ireland’s top family festival.
Only 32 Roses can be accommodated on live TV and, until now, it wasn’t feasible for the organisers to accommodate the full inclusion of the other 38 Roses at the Festival in Tralee.
An extra hour-long documentary, tracing the Roses’ journey to Tralee, will be screened on RTÉ on Sunday 21st August during which the viewers will find out what 32 Roses were selected to appear on the live televised selections in the Festival Dome on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd August.
Full details on how to become a Rose and an online application form are available from www.RoseofTralee.ie
Information on this year’s Festival family-friendly entertainment line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
You’re looking forward to taking on the scariest rides at Birds Amusements. Well sort of…a bit anyway…eh, no actually you aren’t. Here’s the range of emotions you go through…
1. Arrogant bravado
From the safety of your house, you’ll bravely tell your friends about how you’re going to go on absolutely everything this year, even the Take-off, Waltzers and The Big Wheel.
Yep, this year is going to be different. You won’t get scared at all.
It starts off so well with arrogant bravado..
2. Nerves shredding
Okay, you’re a little nervous. The sound of the music coming from the rides seems an awful lot closer now that you’ve left your house. It’s cool though, you expected this and you’re able to handle it.
That queasy feeling in your stomach? That’s nothing…it’s going to be fine.
Me? Nervous? Nonsense!
You can convince yourself all you like…
3. Fear
Oh god…how did you ever think you would go on this?
The ride looms ominously in front of you and you actually feel your nerves shredding and your intestines knotting inside your stomach.
Is it swaying? It looks like it’s swaying.
Your friends aren’t going to let you off though…prodding and poking you constantly with persuasive words until you hand over your money for the ticket.
This ride just isn’t for you…
4.Seriously, fear!
You’ve never been more aware of any moment in your entire life than you are right now as you find yourself strapped into the ride.
Is my phone safe? My neck seems stiff. I’m not sitting right. This strap is definitely loose/too tight. I shouldn’t be on this.
I NEED TO GET OFF!
Oh god…is that it starting? Better close my eyes!
Some people just aren’t build for amusement park rides.
5. Relief
Woo! What were you even worried about?
You know what? This place ain’t so scary after all. Let’s do it again!
How you feel after beating the nerves at the bazaar.
The Festival is almost here and many of you plan to make the most of the craic. If you’re going to throw caution to the wind and are determined to soak up every last bit of entertainment that you can find we’ve a few tips and tricks to help you get the best out of your Rose experience…
1. Plan your nights out
There’s nothing worse than gearing yourself up for that big first night out of the festival and you ending up wandering aimlessly around Denny Street or watching a 90 year old gypsy performing a finger-puppet show about the Holocaust in the doorway of Penney’s. Not fun.
Make sure to take a look at the festival programme and see who’s playing where and when. There’s a great acts planned over the next few nights…t’would be a shame to miss them.
Remember, it’s always good to have a plan…
Make a plan and stick to it..
2. Surviving the morning after
We’re all culpable of enjoying ourselves a little too much now and again and over the weekend of the Festival, you can be guaranteed there will be a lot of sore heads in town when the mornings roll around.
It’s imperative that you have the materials for that all important fry-up stockpiled in the fridge, or a best friend who you can beg to grab you that life-saving hot chicken roll.
A pint of water by the bedside table never hurt either…just don’t spill it when clambering into bed at four in the morning.
Oh, and open a window too, unless you want to blind the person who enters your room the following morning with the stench of stale Heineken and body odours.
You don’t have to completely suffer the next day..
3. Check out the daytime activities
On the quieter and infinitely more sensible side of the festival, there’s a whole host of day time activities on offer to keep those of all ages entertained for hours on end.
Now we don’t recommend an early spin on the Waltzers if you’re feeling delicate, but the market stalls up Denny Street are always an excellent place to whittle away the time, with everything from food and sweets to beautifully made arts and crafts on offer.
With petting zoos, puppet shows, the bazaar and much more, it’s up to you to make the most of the (hopefully) sunny weather.
There’s so many things planned for the festival that it will make your head spin.
4. Be prepared
If it’s your first ever time heading to the festival from outside the town, then there’s a couple of things you will want to be prepared for.
The Rose Parade is still as popular as ever and if you want to grab yourself a prime viewing point, it’s imperative you head down to Denny Street as early as possible on Saturday to get your place.
Otherwise, you face a long two hours of craning over the necks of every tall person to ever live. They always seem to congregate in front of where you’re standing.
Have a place to stay lined up before you arrive as well…unless you’re sure of charming your way to accommodation on the night.
It’s important to get to the events early to get a good viewing spot.
5. Relax
The thought of leaving the comfort of the couch on festival nights is absolute madness to some people, and that’s perfectly fine.
But many prefer to take a breather from the madness after the weekend and since the Rose of Tralee will be broadcast on RTE on Monday and Tuesday, stick the kettle on, put the feet up and settle in for the night. There’s nowt wrong with that at all (except on Tuesday when most people get their asses into town for Midnight Madness).
Some of us will prefer a few quiet nights in over the next few nights.
IT’S almost that time of year again when the hordes descend on the town for the Festival. Fergus Dennehy point out five things that we’re guaranteed to see over the next week.
1. Crowded Streets: Seriously, it’s frightening how long it can take you to walk the relatively short distance of The Mall and Denny Street during the festival on Saturday night.
You only truly start to appreciate the relative calm of the town when you find yourself shuffling and painstakingly making your way through the few people who stop and stare at the stalls during the day.
It takes all of our patience not to start pushing from behind. There’s always the chance we might not keep it together…
We can’t promise we won’t resort this….
2. Bumping Into Someone You Haven’t Seen In Years: It’s just accepted as fact that if you live in town or are just visiting anytime over the festival that you’re guaranteed to bump into an old friend/long lost cousin/ex girlfriend who you haven’t seen in years.
While these meetings sometimes don’t go as smoothly as expected, it’s generally a great opportunity for a catch up and a laugh over a drink or two.
The festival is a great time to reminisce with some old friends.
3. Teenagers In The Town Park: We all know the scene, you’re on your way to the ‘bazaar’, to enjoy the view from the big wheel, when you suddenly find yourself in a bit of an alien landscape.
With 40-50 teenagers milling around the tree at the entrance to the Brandon car park, it can be sometimes feel like a scene from ‘The Walking Dead’.
In reality however, they’re usually not as bad as the flesh-eating walkers in the hit show, with most of the gathered content on hanging out with their friends and enjoying the atmosphere.
The Town Park can resemble a scene from ‘The Walking Dead’ sometimes….
4. Drinking In The Streets: The festival is one of the few times of the year when it universally acceptable to drink in the streets with The Square being the central hub for most of the action.
Don’t get us wrong, pubs are great and we’ve all had some mighty nights in them over the years. There’s something to be said though about the freedom of having a can as you either watch some of the best local musicians play their heart on stage or just wander around and soak it all in.
Just make sure you don’t leave a mess behind you is all…
5. Great Atmosphere: While there can be a lot of different things said about the ‘Rose of Tralee Festival’, there is no denying that it brings a great buzz and a bit of old fashioned craic to the town.
What with everything that’s on for all ages, the atmosphere around town is always guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
The Rose Of Tralee Festival always brings a great atmosphere to the town.
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.
A FORMER Rose of Tralee contestant decided to put a record of her entire year on video…and it’s less than eight minutes long.
Edwina Guckian, who was the Leitrim Rose in 2013, filmed a second from every day of last year and complied it into the video. She uploaded to Youtube and it has received nearly 25,000 views already.
With trips abroad, family celebrations and a few trips back to the Kingdom included, it culminates in the primary school teacher and musician getting engaged to her boyfriend, Michael O’Rourke from Castleisland towards the end.
THE Executive Chair of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara, has announced that the Festival will enter the bidding process to purchase Fels Point Hotel.
The hotel on the Dan Spring Road in the town has been the home to the Rose of Tralee International Festival since 2007.
Backing for the project has been secured to enable a cash purchase.
Anthony O’Gara said: “Such a move would be key to the long-term development and viability of the Festival in Tralee. Ownership of the hotel would be a pre-requisite for the development of a permanent Dome on the adjacent Fels Point site. If the bid is successful, it would allow us to unlock the full potential of the Festival.”
A new Rose of Tralee Festival Trust is being established with a view to eventually managing the overall project and the hotel may be rebranded as the “Rose of Tralee Hotel”.
Mr O’Gara said that he is confident that the bid will have the support of the people and business community in Tralee.
He expressed a view that local ownership of the hotel, together with the development of a permanent Dome on the Fels Point site, would provide a major boost to the local economy in Tralee and Kerry.
He added that it would allow the town to benefit from the strength of the Rose of Tralee on a year-round basis.
Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, pushes over Senator Mark Daly in after he took the Ice Bucket Challenge in Tralee Town Park. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE Rose of Tralee wasn’t the only one to get a soaking this morning (see video here).
Senator Mark Daly from Kenmare also took the Ice Bucket Challenge – offered to him by his brother-in-law, Paul Treyvaud – and Maria Walsh did the honours.
Apparently Maria didn’t think he was wet enough so she gave him a little push after.
The Fianna Fail Senator then issued the challenge to the entire Mayo football team and he had a message for them in the video below.
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)
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.
TUESDAY night’s Rose of Tralee selection programme drew a net figure of 1.7 million viewers according to figures released by RTE.
The selection was watched by a 50% share of everyone who was watching TV in Ireland that night.
An audience of 760,00 watched the new Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh being crowned with an average of 694,000 viewers watching the show all night.
Tuesday night’s show had a reach (net number or percentage of people who have seen a particular piece of broadcast output) of nearly 1.7m viewers and a share of 50% of those watching television at the time.
The Rose of Tralee Festival was also streamed live on www.rte.ie/player and over 62,200 streams have been recorded to date, with 28,049 of this being from the live online simulcasts on both nights.
Live from the Red Room, RTÉ Player’s backstage show drew audiences of over 10,000 for its live streaming.
RTÉ’s executive producer for the show, Michael Kealy, said: “The viewership figures for this year’s show are fantastic. A share of 50% for the second night means one in two people in Ireland watching television at that time tuned in to The Rose of Tralee.
Abu Dhabi Rose, Patrice McGillycuddy who raised €1,900 for the Recovery Haven over in Abu Dhabi.
THE Abu Dhabi Rose was welcomed to the Recovery Haven on Tuesday and was thanked for her fundraising efforts for the cancer support centre.
Patrice McGillycuddy from Killorglin, who lives and works in Abu Dhabi, was aware of the work of Recovery Haven as her sister had previously supported the house through the production of a music CD a number of years ago and she organised a major fundraising event in Abu Dhabi which raised € 1,900 for Recovery Haven.
She called to the centre with other Roses and escorts on Tuesday.
Maureen O’Brien, Chairperson of Recovery Haven’s Fundraising Committee said, “this generous decision by a young woman to use her selection as a Rose of Tralee contestant in a country very far away from Tralee and raise this significant amount of money speaks volumes about the values and generosity that are clearly part of the ethos of The Rose of Tralee event”.
“Recovery Haven depends greatly on funds raised to keep the service open and thank Patrice for her contribution to the service. I am very pleased that Róisín Lyone the Dublin Rose is here today to join with us in recognising and thanking Patrice for her initiative in recognising the work that is done here at Recovery Haven”.
“It is my great pleasure to help Recovery Haven and to support the work done here,” said Patrice.
“I am greatly impressed with the work carried out by a large number of volunteers within the service. It is great to be able to support a local charity providing such a vital service,” she said.
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.
YESTERDAY saw a host of canine lovers invade the Town Park for the annual dog show.
There were numerous categories including Best Dressed, Small, Medium and Large Dog and Dog of the Show and hundreds enjoyed the fun which also included terrier racing.
Ryan Higgins was there to capture some of the entries and their owners.
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Abby, Emma, Ellie May and Lavinia with their dogs Billy, Ollie and Sally at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsAiya and Padraig McCoy with ‘Snoopy’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsAnne Leane and her dog ‘Bruno’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsHenry and Linda Lowe with ‘Winston’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsJamie Quillinan thinks about taking a spin at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsJoe Hanley and Tommy Higgins with their winning dogs ‘Snappy’ and ‘Crixus’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsKillian Hussey with ‘Spot’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsLucinda Breen with her dog ‘Teeko’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsMarcella Enright, Patricia Enright and Sophie Creaven with ‘Sooty’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsMary, Louise and Edward O’Connor with ‘Layla’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsOne young man and his dog at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsNiall Fitzgerald and ‘Minelli’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsSean, John and Orla Barry with ‘Rosie’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan HigginsTanya O’Sullivan and Tara Dore with ‘Pudding’ at the Paws and Tails Dog Show in the Town Park on Monday. Photo by Ryan Higgins
OK, this is our last batch of photos from The Kerryman Rose of Tralee Fashion Show on Sunday night in The Dome.
We took 60 photos on the night, not to mention our short videos featuring our fashion columnist, Orlagh Winters, interviewing a host of stylish local ladies and designers.
To see them, click on our previous stories here, here and here.
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Dawn Jnr O’Sullivan and Aisling O’Sullivan at the Rose Fashion Show on Sunday night. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Catriona Sayers, Noreen Sayers, Patricia Sayers, Kitty Sayers and Margaret Trant. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Maureen Fleming, Jennifer Tiernan, Pauline Hanley. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Teresa O’Brien and Mary O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Mary Kelliher and Olga Ryan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Christina O’Callaghan and Noreen Casey. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Catriona Hobbert and Joan Cunningham. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were Rose of Tralee Haley O’Sullivan and her mother Lindsey O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Anthony McCarthy and Sharon Heffernan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Gillian Gilbourne and Sheila Jessica Gilbourne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Rose Fashion show were, from left: Margaret O’Connor and Charlotte Reidy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE residents of Boherbee came out on the streets on Saturday night for their annual pre-parade party.
The local traders and residents decided to join in the festive atmosphere of the Rose of Tralee by holding a party with live music, fun races and much more.
TraleeToday.ie’s Ryan Higgins was there to photograph the residents on the night.
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Aoife, Ciara and Maeve Trant enjoy a snack at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsAnne O’Dowd and Sinead Maher at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsGer and Lorraine Roche with children Ger Jnr. and Michaela at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsBernie, Rose and Anne Dowling at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsJames, Luke and Scott McCarthy, with, at back, Marisa McCarthy, Marion Twomey and Caroline Twomey at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsIn front; Oisin, Saoirse and Ava O’Donnell, Laura and Kayla Commane. At back; Margaret Kavanagh, Mary Duggan, Toireasa Ann O’Donnell, Mark Commane, Linda Duggan and Conor Commane at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsMary O’Connor and Danielle Sheehan at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsLydia Keane, Siobhan Keane, Emily Keane and Joan Lowe at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsTricia and James Higgins at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan HigginsOisin O’Donnell, Geraldine Clifford, Toireasa Ann O’Donnell and Margaret Kavanagh at the Boherbee residents pre-parade party on Saturday night. Photo by Ryan Higgins
WITH an entry of 15 teams, the annual Rose Cup U13 football tournament was hosted in Tralee on Saturday by Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club (Ballyrickard) and Na Gaeil GAA Club (Killeen.)
The semi-finals and finals were played at Killeen. In the Cup competition, Na Gaeil defeated Killarney Legion in the final, the score was 2-8 to 0-5.
In the Shield final Austin Stacks took on Listowel Emmets, with the former running out clear winners on a scoreline of 6-7 to 2-3.
The reigning Rose of Tralee, Hayley O’Sullivan (Texas Rose 2013) presented the Rose Cup to the Na Gaeil Captain, Seamus Harty and the Rose Shield to Sean Quilter, captain of Austin Stacks.
The smooth running of the competition was organised by Coiste Thra Li under the chairmanship of Padraig MacAmbhlaiobh, John Slattery and the hardworking committee.
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Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan, presents the Rose Cup to Seamus Harty, captain of Na Gaeil team. Also included is Coiste Thra Li’s Padraig MacAmbhlaiobh and John Slattery. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinRose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan, presents the Rose Shield to Sean Quilter, captain of Austin Stacks. Also included is Coiste Thra Li’s Padraig MacAmbhlaiobh and John Slattery. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinRose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan, presents the Rose Shield to the Na Gaeil captain Seamus Harty with his teammates and coaches. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlinRose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan, with Austin Stacks team, winners of the Rose Shield. Photo by Adrienne McLoughlin
2013 Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan (centre), with New Zealand Rose Lisa Bazalo , Western Canada Catherine Joyce , Donegal Rose Tamara Payne , Texas Rose Cyndi Crowell , Washington Rose Allison Wetterauw and Perth Sinead Lehan at the official unveiling of the Rose sculpture on the Tralee Bypass today. Photo by Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD
SOME of the Roses joined Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Mr. Paschal Donohoe TD at the official unveiling of the Roses sculpture on the Tralee Bypass on Monday.
‘The Roses’ sculpture, which cost €74,000, and consists of three red roses on their stems was created by Mayo sculptor, Rory Breslin, as part of the Percent for Art Scheme for the Tralee Bypass. Kerry County Council also provided funding for the project.
Situated beside the roundabout linking the Tralee Bypass to the N22 Killarney road, the Roses sculpture highlights the well-known symbol of the Tralee area. It also links to the famous Rose of Tralee song which speaks of William Mulchinock’s love for Mary O’Connor, who was employed a maid by the Mulchinock family.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the sculpture, Minister Donohoe congratulated all involved in both the construction of the Tralee Bypass and also in the creation of the sculpture. The Minister pointed to the success of the Tralee Bypass in diverting through traffic from Tralee town centre and reducing travel times for motorists in the area.
Speaking at the unveiling Minister Donohoe said: “Iconic installations such as this very quickly become a symbol of the area, and the consideration the public gives to them is evidenced by the fact that submissions for what would be placed here, just outside Tralee, were received from as far away as Australia and the US. I want to congratulate Rory Breslin on a wonderful design and wish him luck in what I am sure will be a bright future.
“The Tralee Bypass, which was opened last year by Minister Jimmy Deenihan, has had a significant impact on the region, through improved journey times for locals and tourist due to a reduction in traffic through town,” he said.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil congratulated the sculptor Rory Breslin on his work.
“Through the Rose of Tralee song and the Festival, we have long associated the Tralee are with this beautiful flower,” he said. “The Roses sculpture at the entrance of Tralee town is an ideal depiction of this association,” he said. “Coupled with the football sculpture on the N21 entrance to Tralee, they present a beautiful initial image to visitors to Tralee.
The cost of the commission for the Tralee Bypass was €74,000 which covered all aspects of the commission, including the sculpture itself. Over 50 submissions were received following Kerry County Council’s advertisement seeking expressions of interest in relation to the commission.
AN event management company has been selected and appointed by Kerry County Council to organise and oversee a festival of family and street entertainment in Tralee in August.
GARDAI in Tralee say that crowds are up this year so far at the Rose of Tralee Festival and there have been no major incidents.
THE Rose of Tralee International Festival is one of six Kerry events to share over €111,000 in funding as part of its 2019 Regional Festivals & Participative Events Programme from Failte Ireland.
THE Tralee Municipal District Operations Department has approved a plan to mark the location where the Rose of Tralee festival was founded.
