White is no longer the only colour for a rose

A FORMER Presidential candidate and founder of the Chernobyl Children’s Project will be cheering on her niece when she makes history by competing in the Rose of Tralee festival.

Adi Roche’s niece, Sinead De Roiste, who is representing Philadelphia, will be the first non-white contestant in the 45-year history of the competition.

The mixed race 25-year-old, who recently took up a job working with Kelloggs International in Michigan, is the daughter of Adi’s brother, former army lieutenant Donal De Roiste - who is separated from her mother, Leah, and lives in Youghal, Co Cork.