Rose of Tralee Tarahas double dilemma
Tara Talbot admits that her loyalties are being well and truly tested with her native Ireland facing her adopted Australia in the Rugby World Cup.
And her emotions will be put to the test again on Sunday when her home county Dublin will clash with her new favourite destination of Kerry in the eagerly awaited All-Ireland final.
The proud Dub, who moved to Australia with her family when she was five, admits she didn’t know who to cheer for in this morning’s glamour rugby clash but she has no qualms about admitting her preference for tomorrow’s match in Croke Park. “I had a wonderful time in Tralee during the Rose festival and I am proud to represent the town and the county of Kerry for the next 12 months.
“I’d love to give a diplomatic answer here but I’m going to have to say I hope Dublin win the All-Ireland. Up the Dubs,” she beamed.
“I have become an honorary Kerry lady but I’ll be true to my roots tomorrow and I’ll be wearing the blue.
“I frequent Croke Park quite a bit. I’ve been to a number of GAA and rugby games and I’ve been there to see an international rules game.”
But while she declares herself a true blue, Tara flew to New Zealand in time to take her place in the stands this morning to cheer on the boys in green against the Aussies.
“I love both teams so, hopefully, Ireland and Australia will be the two teams to get out of the group. I think Australia have a good chance of winning the World Cup but I’m a Leinster girl and I’m a big fan of Brian O’Driscoll so I hope Ireland do well too,” said Tara.
“I wonder if it’s possible to support all four teams? I’m actually in a great position as I’ll have a happy outcome in both matches.”
A month into her reign as Rose of Tralee, Tara said it has been an amazing time. “It’s still hard to accept that I was crowned Rose. It’s very surreal and it will take a couple of more weeks to sink in,” she said.
