Two Offaly Roses to shout for this year

The Faithful County is well represented at this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival getting underway on Wednesday, August 17.

Offaly Rose Emma Kirwan is rallying her supporters to join her in the Dome, and so is Dearbhladh Walsh, originally from Cloneyhurke, just outside the town of Portarlington, who is representing Abu Dhabi.

Eighteen-year-old student Emma is from Killeigh and joins 65 others from all over the world who will be at this year’s extended festival running from August 17 to 23.

Currently awaiting her Leaving Certificate results on the opening day of the Rose Festival, the Offaly Rose said the entire experience hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“The support from everyone so far has been amazing. I’ve received cards in the post and any amount of phone calls, all wishing me luck. I just hope I can do the parish of Killeigh and the county of offaly proud in the mighty Dome in Tralee.”

Prior to arriving in Tralee, Emma 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.

The self-proclaimed “tomboy” plans on studying aeronautical engineering in UL, and has grown up playing all kinds of sport, from GAA to rugby, represented the county for five years, three with the camogie team and two with the ladies football team.

“I’m just finished secondary school, and awaiting that dreaded letter with the results of my leaving certificate, which should arrive when I’m in Tralee. I have a huge interest in flying and I hope to pursue a career in flying for the air corps someday.”

But sport has been a major influence in her life.

“In the early days of secondary school I played on the lads’ football team, starting corner forward. We went on that year to win a Leinster final, and it was a surreal experience, a game which I will never forget. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love sport and they were surprised to hear that my talent for the Rose of Tralee didn’t involve a hurl or a football!” she laughs.

 

Abu Dhabi Rose

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Rose Dearbhladh Walsh, is a 24-year-old primary school teacher who many will remember from teaching at Portarlington’s Presentation Primary School, before she took a career break last summer, and made the move to the UAE.

“Although I am only living in Abu Dhabi one year it has been the experience of a lifetime. Aside from the beautiful weather, teaching in a school outside of Ireland is a great learning curve for me as well as getting to enjoy the fantastic lifestyle that is on offer for expats in the UAE,” says Dearbhladh.

Loving to travel, Dearbhlah was lucky enough to visit a variety of destinations this year including Kenya, Bahrain, Nepal and India, but is looking forward to seeing the green fields of home once again for such a special time.

“The enthusiasm and support shown to me since becoming the Abu Dhabi Rose has been overwhelming, I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in events organised by the Irish community such as Darkness into Light and the 1916 Commemorative Celebrations. I am really looking forward to representing the growing Irish diaspora in Abu Dhabi and I hope to do them proud in Tralee.”

Her passion is music and she not only loves to sing but plays four different musical instruments.

“I play the traditional Irish flute, the tin whistle, the guitar and the harp. I have played at many weddings and events over the years both at home and abroad and participated in and won numerous competitions. I enjoy keeping active and playing sports also. I took up Gaelic football this year and I am really enjoying the experience playing for Abu Dhabi na Fianna GAA club.”

 

Festival

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.

This year every Rose 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.

 

The televised selections will be broadcast as usual at 8pm on Monday August 22 and Tuesday August 23 on RTÉ One.