TraleeToday.ie’s coverage of the Rose of Tralee International Festival/Féile Thrá Lí is brought to you by Charlie’s Bar & Bistro at Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club…
Launching this year’s Recovery Haven Celebration Of Life event at Tralee Bay Wetlands were Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, Gemma Fort of Recovery Haven and Kerry Rose Caoimhe Lynch. At back standing; Steve Baker, Clotilde O’Keeffe Lyons, Ciara Knightly, Shirley McEvoy and Vincent McMahon of Kerry Choral Union, Kathleen Collins and Dermot Crowley of Recovery Haven. Kneeling; Rose Escort Daithi Fitzgerald, Kieran Galway of Tralee Bay Wetlands, Rose Escort Ethan O’Connor, Alan Balfe and Mary O’Connor of Tralee Bay Wetlands. Photo by Dermot CreanTHE tranquil setting of Tralee Bay Wetlands will once again provide the stunning backdrop for the 2026 Celebration of Light ceremony, organised annually by cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, to unite those touched by cancer and remember those we have lost.
Run in conjunction with the Rose of Tralee International Festival, the ceremony takes place tomorrow, Friday, at 6.15pm.
A much-anticipated event on the official Rose of Tralee itinerary, the poignant ceremony will be extremely special this year, as once again all 32 Rose contestants will be in attendance.
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They will be joined at The Wetlands by their escorts; Suzan O’Gara and other members of the Rose of Tralee Committee, as well as 2026 Rose of Tralee judges and reigning Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins.
As in previous years, the evening will be MC’d by Sean Lyons and will feature a very special performance from Kerry Choral Union, as well as a selection of prayers and readings from a number of special guests.
Steve Baker, Clotilde O’Keeffe Lyons, Ciara Knightly, Shirley McEvoy and Vincent McMahon of Kerry Choral Union at the launch of the Celebration of Life event. Photo by Dermot CreanAs well as some beautiful readings, the emotional lighting of candles and releasing of stones will also form part of the celebration – with the valued support of Banna Sea Rescue – with candles available to buy on the night.
The event is also being kindly supported by Mary O’Connor and Joanie McAuliffe of Tralee Bay Wetlands, along with Margaret Kissane of The Lakeside Café.
“This is always such a hugely special event for Recovery Haven, and we would encourage those affected by cancer to come along and experience what is a very special feeling of togetherness and solidarity with those around them,” said the charity’s PR & Marketing Officer, Marisa Reidy.
“The evening offers a very unique opportunity for people to join together in hope and light in honour of those touched by, and lost to, cancer and we are absolutely honoured to have all 32 Roses in attendance once this year to experience it with us.”
