Excitement mounts as Rose hopefuls prepare for selection night

Once again the Kilkenny Roses of 2017 took to roads and their latest adventure found them up in the village of Coon to Billy Nolans Pub to participate in a game of bingo.

It was a great night of entertainment at The Ranchers Return where the Rose hopefuls played bingo with the locals. Billy Nolan is also sponsoring local girl Cliona Quirke and was delighted to host the event. The night began with some confused faces as we tried to remember the rules of bingo, but the lovely locals were on hand to guide us through the first few pages and it wasn't long before the girls were shouting Check!

Afterwards , tea cups were clinking as Alice O Hanlon took charge of the teapot and insisted all the girls have a cuppa.

On Sunday the Roses and Rosebuds were treated to a fun day as the had a sightseeing tour of Kilkenny City aboard the Castle Tours Trains. It was then back to ART IT in MacDonagh Junction where the girls made little jewellery boxes with their rosebuds. We were then treated to some delicious nibbles from Starbucks and Rosebuds went home smiling.

The ladies then continued to the Ormonde Hotel who kindly prepared a lovely Afternoon Tea which was followed by specially made Cocktails in Harpers Bar at the Hibernian Hotel.

As the selection night fast approaches, organisers have confirmed that the recruitment campaign in Kilkenny has been a huge success with the largest number of entrants ever. 25 lovely ladies from Kilkenny city and county will take to the stage representing themselves, families, friends and sponsors. It is sure to be a very enjoyable and exciting night and it's worth mentioning that there will be prizes for the Best Dressed Lady, Best Banner, Lots of entertainment and a raffle with proceeds going to a selected charity.