Singing sensation ready to serenade Roses

PREPARING to break the hearts of 31 women who have just been handed hurleys is every man’s worst nightmare, but an Irish singing sensation is still managing to take it all in his stride.

As part of the build-up to the 52nd Rose of Tralee festival, Sligo folk star Patrick Feeney has been named as the man to serenade this year’s winner, meaning he is set to disappoint the other hopefuls dreaming of taking home the prize.

The announcement — made as the Roses visited Birr in Co Offaly to learn how to play camogie — may place the 27-year-old in jeopardy if any of the unsuccessful Rose of Tralee contenders are within reaching distance of a hurley again when this year’s festival winner is crowned next Tuesday night. But despite the admittedly unlikely danger involved, Mr Feeney said the accolade is “the biggest moment of my career to date”.