Onwards and upwards for the Roses
But for others, a life involving overseeing millions of euro on the New York stock exchange, London’s West End and journalism — don’t worry, it’s not me — also beckons.
The 1970 New York Rose, Noreen M Culhane, is one example of how a seemingly “lovely girls” competition can be a platform to greater achievements. Now 60, Noreen is the executive vice-president for Global Corporate Client Group — overseeing fortunes made and lost by firms listed on the highly sought-after New York Stock Exchange.
Another former Rose to make a splash, this time on our side of the Atlantic, is Galway’s 2003 representative, Aoife Mulholland. Now 33, she is a leading lady in London’s West End and has starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago’s Cambridge Theatre. In 2006, she made the semi-final of BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?.
Among a lengthy list of other high-profile former contestants are 1985 Chicago Rose, now an award-winning broadcast journalist in the US, Michele McCormack; and 2005 winner for Mayo, Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain.
She regularly appears on RTÉ TV shows and — thankfully for Ireland’s male population (well, me) — has escaped the clutches of her former partner Ryan Tubridy.
DESPITE its popular image, the Rose of Tralee is not just about tiaras, practised smiles and bizarre onstage performances.
Thanks to the annual end-of-summer fixture, vital charity work which would otherwise not take place is also given its share of the spotlight.
To prove the point, 2010 Rose Clare Kambamettu and 30 men in high-heels — including six escorts — spent yesterday afternoon fundraising for the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.
During a public show of support for victims of all forms of sexual assault, they took part in the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event in Tralee.
As the name suggests, the charity-drive involved walking in solidarity with those who have been abused — both to raise funds and awareness about a growing problem.
Vera O’Leary, manager of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, said fundraising and charity work goes hand-in-hand with the Rose of Tralee.
“Last year there were 30% more calls to us than in 2009, more than 2,000 counselling sessions,” Ms O’Leary said. “About 65% of those were adult survivors of child abuse but there has also been a big rise in the number of teenagers calling.
“We are very grateful to the Rose of Tralee festival because we’re hoping to raise up to €5,000 from this. The walk a mile approach is a US format and it really shows the serious message in this area,” she said.
lFor more on the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, freephone 1800 633 333, go to krsac.com, or you can donate to Allied Irish Bank, Castle Street, Tralee. Account number: 55061180. Branch code 93-62-19
