Responsibility is ‘far bigger than you will ever imagine’

IT’S not all bright lights and surprisingly heavy tiaras, you know.

Tonight the latest Rose of Tralee winner will be revealed to the nation amid an avalanche of congratulations, tears, interview requests and photo shoots. But despite the glitz and glamour of the occasion, far more responsibility goes with the title than a first glance might suggest – a situation 2009 Rose of Tralee Charmaine Kenny knows all too well.

Since being crowned queen of the contest, the 28-year-old Athy native who represented London at last year’s festival has travelled the world highlighting vital Irish projects that don’t always receive the attention they deserve.

The aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster and visits to local nursing homes and hospitals in Ireland may be a far cry from the Dome stage in Tralee tonight, but they are at the heart of the annual festival.

“You don’t always think about the responsibility when the Rose of Tralee week is taking place, because you’re still part of the group of Roses. But once your name is called out you suddenly realise you’re representing everyone – Kerry, the festival, Ireland, the Irish diaspora, and the hundreds of girls who would have participated,” Charmaine explained.

“It really hits home when you see the projects you are taking on. Last year the Chernobyl Children’s Project was one of the festival charities, so we travelled over to Belarus.

“A lot of people say the real disaster of Chernobyl hasn’t happened yet, that the real disaster will be in the generations to come, and you really see that when you are there. I’ve been involved in charity work before, I spent time in India during college, but in Calcutta and other places while the children are really poor they are still relatively healthy and in loving families.

“In Belarus, there are children in mental asylums and on the road to nowhere, with the most complicated medical conditions I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t call the Rose of Tralee title hard work, but it is such important work. These projects need to be given publicity and that comes with the title,” she said.

After a year of travelling and fundraising, from tonight the Athy girl will finally be able to take a backseat to proceedings, and make the transition back to a normal life.

“In two weeks’ time reality will probably slap me in the face and I’ll have to go job hunting,” she jokes. “This is a year I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. It’s such a big responsibility, far bigger than you will ever imagine.”