US Roses out in force for Tralee festival
The first official preamble to the 47th Rose of Tralee International Festival took place yesterday as the eight US Roses visited the US embassy in Ballsbridge.
It was the first chance for some of the overseas representatives to meet each other, although US ambassador James C Kenny was unable to attend the function due to illness. The group was greeted by the deputy chief of mission, Jonathan Benton, who wished them good luck in their attempt to become the first US winner of the competition since New York rose Roisin Egenton won the title in 2000.
“It’s great to be here. I’m just looking forward to the whole experience,” said Washington DC Rose Kate Riley on her first visit to Ireland.
“I’ve been told there is great craic and to expect the best week of my life,” said the 24-year-old congresswoman’s assistant.
Texas Rose Molly Kealy is a regular visitor to Ireland and was able to advise her fellow countrywomen that sampling tea and brown bread were on the must-do list for any visit.
The 20-year-old drama student is one of the few US Roses still in regular contact with Irish relatives. She hopes for lots of support from family and friends in Dublin, New Ross, Co Wexford, and Bennetsbridge, Co Kilkenny.
All 30 contestants will formally meet each other for the first time in Dublin this morning.
This year’s festival will be the first to have Roses from Carlow, Clare, Kildare, Leitrim and Mayo. It follows a decision by the organising committee to stage regional finals to allow greater participation.
It also means that for the first time in many years, there will be no Roses representing either Galway or Waterford.
The festival’s managing director, Anthony O’Gara, said he hoped the structure of regional finals would be extended to Britain and the US over the next few years.
“Unfortunately, we are limited to the fact that we can only operate with a maximum of around 30 girls each year,” he said.
More than 200,000 visitors are expected in Tralee during the festival, which starts on Friday and runs until August 23.
Organisers estimate that many other attractions, including a five-day carnival, will bring in an extra €4m to the north Kerry town.
Mr O’Gara said the adoption of a five-year plan should put the festival on a stronger financial footing and help it to avoid some of difficulties it faced with creditors in recent years.
* RTÉ will broadcast the contest over two nights next Monday and Tuesday in a programme compered by Ray D’Arcy.
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