Rose’s ladybirds carry special message
In 2009, Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh’s cousin Teresa Molloy died aged 19, in one of the worst road accidents in recent Irish memory.
The crash killed four women in November 2009 on the N17 near Milltown in Co Galway.
Five years on, Boston native Maria said she and her family will always remember Teresa’s warm personality.
And, as a mark of respect, the Philadelphia Rose confirmed the three small ladybird tattoos on her neck are meant to remind her of her cousin’s love of life.
“It’s moments like this, like being in the Rose of Tralee, that make you really seize the day and appreciate life and take everything as it comes,” said Maria. “She [Teresa] has given me a lot of good luck to date, so I know she’s looking down on me and my family.”
