Charmaine urges Rose buds to go for it

REIGNING Rose of Tralee Charmaine Kenny, 26, yesterday urged other young Irish women to enter the glamour contest, being held for the 51st time this year.

Launching the 2010 Rose of Tralee International Festival, she described her experience as “brilliant”, saying she had been invited to some extraordinary events, including a civic reception in her home town of Athy, Co Kildare, and meeting President Mary McAleese in Áras an Uachtaráin.

“I can’t believe the amount of fun I have had since I was crowned Rose of Tralee,” added Charmaine, who was the London Rose.