Talented Tipp female wanted for Rose of Tralee Festival
This week Aisling O'Donovan, the reigning Tipperary Rose of Tralee, officially launched the search to find this year’s Rose of Tralee in County Tipperary.
Aisling, from Fethard, says: “Becoming the Tipperary Rose has been one of the proudest moments of my life so far, being able to represent my county on a local, national, and international base is a fantastic feeling that words can’t even describe. This was not only on a personal growth and confidence level but the friendships I have made for life!
Along with taking part in the festival in Tralee in August, other highpoints for Aisling included attending the opening of the German Christmas Markets in Frankfurt and taking part in the St Patrick’s Day parade in New York.
She commented: “I would recommend the festival to anyone, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and so much more than what you see on tv. You get to meet so many amazing people, do some amazing things, and become an inspiration to so many girls and women, so I would say to anyone that has ever taught about becoming a rose, don’t miss out on something great just because of fear, it’s your time new year new you, just apply.”
There is no better time to enter and the aim of the organisers is to ensure that every Rose enjoys the positive experience during her year as her region’s ambassador.
The people behind the festival have revamped the selection process by removing the regional qualification process and by increasing the age limit. And with no Tipperary Rose since 2022 and the next after this year to be 2026, interest is expected to be high acorss the Premier County.
Ciarán O’Connell and the team that co-ordinate the Tipperary event, added: “Aisling has been a true lady and credit to her community throughout her extended time as reigning Tipperary Rose of Tralee, she was a great ambassador for her family, County Tipperary and we want to thank everyone for getting behind her on her trip to Tralee. This year is a big year for the county as there are big changes continued which will mean we will only have a Tipperary rose once every two years, but this year is a great and even better opportunity for any young lady to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience in the full.”
After the Covid break and the changes to the festival, there will be a 2024 Tipperary Rose of Tralee selection final this year on March 24 in the Anner Hotel, Thurles. The closing date for entrants is March 2.
There are no regional finals elements to the festival, so the chosen Tipperary Rose will go directly to the stage interview with the main man Dáithí Ó Sé in the Dome in Tralee. The age limit has gone up a year to 29, so once you've not reached your 30th birthday by September 1, 2024, you’re still in. Due to the pandemic and the biannual selection this means we didn’t have a Tipperary Rose since Aisling, the 2022 Rose, and Tipperary won't have one again til 2026 - so we need your help to get that message out there that the search is on.
HOW TO TAKE PART
More information can be found by texting 086 3871635 and at https://roseoftralee.ie/apply-to-the-rose-of-tralee/.