Brave Sarah to see Rose dream come true
Sarah O’Sullivan, 11, from Askeaton in Co Limerick, is receiving treatment for the severe physical disability condition cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus, also known as water on the brain, which affects mental functions.
The little girl has always dreamed of representing her home county in the prestigious competition, but due to her health concerns the possibility appeared more unlikely than it is for most hopefuls.
However, in an attempt to ensure Sarah’s life includes this precious moment, the Share A Dream Foundation — which works with terminally ill children to allow the seemingly impossible to take place — has organised for the 11-year-old Limerick lady to spend this weekend as a special guest of the Rose of Tralee festival.
When she arrives in Kerry with her parents, Liam and Brid, later today, Sarah will check into the luxury Carlton hotel along with this year’s Roses, before being given a makeover and pampered just like a real contestant.
In the evening she will be a special guest at the Gala Rose Ball in Tralee’s Dome arena, with a similar place reserved for her at the Kerry’s Got Talent event the following day.
“Sarah is a wonderful daughter who never complains and is always in such a happy mood. This will be a memory all of us will never forget,” her mother Brid explained.
As with most Rose of Tralee years, the gesture is not the only heartwarming act being highlighted during the festival.
Yesterday, 21-year-old Leicester Rose Aishling McLoughlin, originally from Kilworth in Cork, revealed plans for a 100km charity cycle in memory of her father who died of colon cancer aged just 46.
Alongside 50 other participants, the pharmacy undergraduate plans to raise money for cancer research on Saturday, September 25, four days before the fourth anniversary of her father Eamonn’s death.
With the Roses reaching Tralee today after a visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher yesterday afternoon, preparations for the event are now in their final stages.
Last night, this year’s hopefuls met their escorts for the first time and are due to learn who will be on call for them throughout the festivities this afternoon.
Final preparations are also being made to the festival Dome, an arena which is used to holding high-profile events — which was underlined by the fact that pop star Alexandra Burke is due to appear next week to headline a major concert.
