Waterford Rose Jenny Walsh
She will be among 65 Roses from all over the world who will be at this year’s extended Festival which will include parades, funfair, circus, 70 hours of free and affordable entertainment, Fashion Show and fireworks displays.
Jenny, 20, a Physiotherapy student, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a Rose, and my adult-self ambition to represent my family, friends and home place in the Rose of Tralee Festival.”
Prior to arriving in Tralee, Jenny will embark on a five day tour taking in some of Ireland’s top tourism landmarks such as Guinness Storehouse, Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens, The K Club and Kilmainham Gaol. When the Roses arrive in the Kingdom of Kerry, they will sample some of the most famous scenery and tourist attractions in the world.
The format for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival has changed to allow every Rose travel to Tralee to enjoy the event in its entirety.
The Communications Manager of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, John Drummey, said: “For the past 11 years a qualifying event was staged in the midlands at the end of May at which 32 Roses were selected to appear on TV in August and ultimately get to enjoy all the fun of the Festival. The good news is that every Rose who is selected to represent her county/city/state/country will travel to the Festival in Tralee. The Roses will still take part in a qualifying process, as RTE can only accommodate 32 Roses on live TV with Dáithí Ó Sé.”
Each Rose who takes part in the qualifying selections, also presented by Dáithí Ó Sé in the Dome, on either August 17th or 18th and she’ll find out on Sunday 21st August if she will be appearing on the televised selections on Monday 22nd or Tuesday 23rd August.
Such is the continued success of the Rose of Tralee on TV, RTÉ are introducing a third Rose of Tralee TV programme from this year onwards – The Road to the Dome will be aired on RTÉ One at 6.30pm on Monday 22nd August.
The Televised Selections will be broadcast as usual at 8pm on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd August on RTÉ One.
Anyone who wishes to travel to Tralee to support their favourite Rose in the Dome or to enjoy any of the live music entertainment during the Festival can purchase tickets from www.roseoftralee.ie.
Tipperary Crystal is the lead sponsor of the Rose of Tralee International Festival which is also proudly sponsored by RTE, Kerry County Council, The Rose Hotel, The Loop at Dublin and Cork Airports, Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, Irish Independent, Maldron Hotel Group and Fáilte Ireland.
