The global search is on for the 2022 Rose of Tralee

COUNTIES across Ireland and Rose of Tralee centres around the world have begun the search for the 2022 international Rose, who will be selected at the Festival in August at the Rose Dome, Tralee County Kerry.

The County Kildare 2019 Rose Deirbhle Mulvihill (l-r), Into Kildare’s Gisele Mansfield, 2019 Kildare Rose Emer Fogarty and Lyn Moloney, Rose Coordinator for Kildare, Kilkenny and Carlow with Rose of Tralee hopefuls from Kildare Ireland

County Roses Deirbhle Mulvihill (left, Kildare 2017) and Emer Fogarty (2019) have returned to support the latest Rose hopefuls

The celebration of Irish culture and heritage marks its return next August since the last Rose of Tralee, Sinead Flanagan was selected in 2019. The junior doctor from Adare County Limerick resumed her medical duties during the pandemic while fulfilling her obligations as the Rose of Tralee when intermittent restrictions were eased.

As international borders have gradually opened and restrictions of more than two years have lifted, the next Rose selected in the Rose Dome in August can be hopeful of carrying out her one-year ambassadorial role in Ireland and around the world.

Rose of Tralee hopefuls surround the current Kildare Rose as they begin their journey to the Rose Festival in Tralee, County Kerry Ireland

Rose of Tralee Commercial Manager Steve Cronly was at Barberstown Castle in Kildare Ireland to greet hopefuls as they begin their journey to the Rose Dome

Rose Coordinator Lyn Moloney welcomed hopeful applicants earlier this month to Barberstown Castle in Kildare Ireland at an evening for candidates to get to know the process and what to expect in the coming months. The spring and summer will be a busy time for Kildare Rose hopefuls ahead of the International Rose of Tralee Festival of four days in August.

“The closing date is looming (at the end of April) for this year’s Selection and we would encourage any interested girls out there to get in touch as soon as possible,” said Lyn Moloney, who coordinates applications from the Irish counties of Kildare, Kilkenny and Carlow. “Just send in your application forms and we will do the rest.”

Roses from across Ireland and around the world will mark the end of summer in the Rose Dome, Tralee County Kerry Ireland. Image credit: International Rose of Tralee

International Escorts play a key role in the Rose of Tralee Festival

The Rose of Tralee International Festival of five days in August, marking its 63^rd year as an Irish cultural and heritage celebration is supported by over 60 Rose Centres in Ireland and around the world, in the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East, the USA and Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Roses from among the centres participate in their home regions and the festival, the regional and international winners to take part over two nights of live broadcast on Irish national television beamed around the world on RTE.

“The key is to be yourself,” said Rose of Tralee Commercial Manager Steve Cronly. “You have done the hardest part in getting here to say, ‘I’m now entering the Rose (of Tralee).’”

Applications are now being accepted from potential International Escorts, their role being to support their Roses and the wider festival team. The application period closes at the end of April.

“It is really a unique experience,” said Kildare Rose 2019 Emer Fogarty. “By the end of it you will have really gotten to know each other and you will learn a lot. The network that you build from very early on, you keep in touch. Being a Rose and representing your county is one of the best things you can do.”

The application process in Ireland and around the world is underway and to get involved see online at https://www.roseoftralee.ie.

Image credits: International Rose of Tralee, Kim Mullahey

Tags: Arts & Culture Rose of Tralee Rose of Tralee International Rose Dome Rose Festival

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