Still blooming after all these years

Staying active is key to positive ageing, a former Rose of Tralee tells Rachel Borrill.

IT’S 47 years since Therese Gillespie Collins was crowned the Rose of Tralee, but she still remembers the day vividly and will cry “happy tears’’ on Sunday, August 19, when the winner is announced as she knows how exciting their life will become.

“I cry every year when the Rose is selected,’’ she admits. “They are tears of happiness and joy for them. There are only 52 Roses in the whole world so it is a very proud moment and I know the excitement that lies ahead for them. Once a Rose always a Rose.”