‘I was being a Rose even if I had to bring IV drip’

An American Rose of Tralee contestant is thanking her lucky stars after recovering from a health scare — just days before her arrival in Kerry.

Kentucky rose Claire Curran was rushed to hospital where it was revealed that the 23-year-old was suffering from an inflamed appendix.

And she flies into Ireland today — just seven days after her hospital scare.

The condition, which can lead to the organ bursting — an extremely serious health concern — was only spotted by the business and languages graduate after coming home from a bridal shower party.

And while the bubbly contestant has assured colleagues she is recovering well, the situation has still left the drama enthusiast hoping for a more relaxed few days ahead.

“I had a stabbing pain in my side for most of the day but the bridal shower had a dance floor, so I was never going to miss the opportunity and go home early.”

“When I got home the pain was so bad I called a friend who had just qualified as a registered nurse.

“She said to get to the hospital immediately, but when I did, the doctor who first looked at me thought it was just stomach ache or dehydration.

“It was only when a staff nurse came over and told me to stop being a hero and say how bad it really was that they realised my appendix was inflamed,” she said.

Living in Frankfort, Kentucky, her ancestors left for the US from Castlebar in Co Mayo in the early 1800s.

Medics at the Central Baptist Hospital, where she was treated, originally wanted Ms Curran to stay in hospital for further observation.

But after it was explained she “had to go to Ireland, even if I bring the IV drip” they decided to remove the organ immediately.

However, after a week of “successfully mastering sitting down and doing nothing” she is recovering and will be able to take part in this year’s festival, joking that — coupled with her interest in theatre — “you can probably tell I’m just a bit dramatic”.

The Rose of Tralee will kick off next week with all contestants taking part in a high-profile tour of Ireland.

They will arrive in Kerry’s county town next weekend before the live TV shows, that have become an-end-of-summer ritual in recent decades, are aired the following Monday and Tuesday night.