Rose contestants visit Obama Plaza

Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall will welcome contestants from the Rose of Tralee International Festival today as the Roses make a special visit to the famous midlands landmark on their journey to Tralee.

The Roses will be welcomed to the Plaza by Supermac’s Managing Director Pat McDonagh for an afternoon reception featuring Irish music, dancing, food and entertainment.

The visit will give the international and Irish Roses an opportunity to experience some traditional Irish hospitality while also taking in one of the country’s best-known motorway landmarks.

The reception will be hosted by Rose of Tralee Committee Member, Ollie Turner and will include performances by champion Irish dancers Saoirse and Lucy, along with live music and entertainment.

The Roses will also get the chance to go behind the counter during their visit, with some trying their hand at making one of Supermac’s famous Moozies and others taking customer orders.

Pat McDonagh said the visit was a wonderful opportunity to welcome the Roses to Moneygall.

“The Rose of Tralee is one of those events that has become part of the Irish summer and we are delighted to welcome the Roses to Barack Obama Plaza on their journey to Tralee.

“There will be Roses here from Ireland and from communities right across the world, and we want to give them a proper Irish welcome with music, dancing, good food and, hopefully, plenty of fun.

“Barack Obama Plaza has welcomed people from every corner of Ireland and from all over the world over the past twelve years, so it is a very fitting place for the Roses to stop on their travels.

“We are particularly looking forward to putting a few of them to work behind the Supermac’s counter. We’ll see whether we have any future Moozie makers or Supermac’s team members among this year’s Roses!”

The Roses are due to arrive at Barack Obama Plaza at 4.30pm, where they will be greeted before enjoying an exhibition of Irish dancing and a reception upstairs.

Later in the afternoon, a selection of Roses will take part in the Supermac’s and Moozie challenge before Ollie Turner hosts interviews and entertainment with contestants.

The visit will conclude with a group photograph at the Barack Obama statue, one of the Plaza’s most recognisable attractions, before the Roses continue their journey.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival brings together Roses representing communities throughout Ireland and around the world and remains one of Ireland’s best-known annual festivals