Search begins for Kilkenny Rose

Current Kilkenny Rose Lorna Fennelly pictured with former Rose of Tralee, Orla Roche (fourth from right), Michelle Brennan, Sinead de Butleir, Chloe Hitchcock, Deirdre O'Shea, Stephanie O'Dwyer and Anne Bradley as well as 2014 hopeful Vera McGrath, in the Ormonde Hotel, at the launch of the 2014 Kilkenny Rose of Tralee. Photo: Pat Moore.
The search has begun in earnest for this year’s Kilkenny Rose of Tralee.

The search has begun in earnest for this year’s Kilkenny Rose of Tralee.

The lucky lady will be selected on April 20. Applicants will gather at the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny for a night full of entertainment, glamour and above all great fun.

The girl who is chosen will receive many prizes including Newbridge Jewellery. She will go on to represent Kilkenny in the Regional Festival in Portlaoise in June, and possibly onto the International Rose of Tralee festival in August with the potential of becoming the International Rose of Tralee.

The committee comprises past Kilkenny Roses including Anne Bradley (2006), Stephanie O’ Dwyer (2009), Sinead De Butléir (2011) Aoibhínn Murphy (2012), and Steve Cronly of the International Rose of Tralee festival.

“We are looking for ladies to enter, aged 18-28,” said committee member Anne Bradley.

“Whether you are living in Kilkenny or born and raised here it’s open to everyone. Or why not nominate someone, I was nominated by a neighbour and went on to win the Kilkenny Rose.”

The MC on the night will be KCLR 96fm’s Brendan Hennessy, who is very experienced in interviewing the Roses and is looking forward to meeting them all on the night. Musical director will be Dale Hennessy. There will be prizes for ‘Best dressed Lady’ and ‘Best Banner’. The roses will be paired with a ‘Rose Bud’, who are young local girls aged between 6-10. The Regional Festival, hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé, will take place in Portlaoise at the Heritage Hotel from Thursday, May 29, through to Monday, June 1.

The winning Rose will have the opportunity to represent their county at numerous local and national events throughout the year. For more information call 086 250 5791 or find us on Facebook: Kilkenny Rose Centre.