I recently opened my wardrobe to tidy away my things having been away and, to my surprise, instead of the usual bare rails, I was bombarded by a sea of gowns.“I’m sorry, I was getting tight for space in my room,” Julie grins as she sweeps past me before getting ready for another Rose-related event.
I recently opened my wardrobe to tidy away my things having been away and, to my surprise, instead of the usual bare rails, I was bombarded by a sea of gowns.
“I’m sorry, I was getting tight for space in my room,” Julie grins as she sweeps past me before getting ready for another Rose-related event.
The Rose of Tralee festival kicks off long before August and by now, most of the Irish Roses have completed their first interview with a panel of judges and RTÉ.
“My interview took place on 7 July and it was such an exciting and new experience. I got to wander the corridors of RTÉ and meet with the wonderful Dáithí,” smiles Julie as she tries to decide on what dress to wear.
“I recently attended the Killarney Races with some of the other Roses and got a real taste of the madness that will be Tralee. We were truly treated as royalty from start to finish, with a Garda escort, a wonderful gentleman on our arm, a meal fit for a queen and a stay in the Rose Hotel.”
The Outfits
It is evident that Julie has a soft spot for hats, with a number of boxes dotted around the room. She is even hoping to take 13 with her to Tralee, but where will they fit in the car?
“What is not going to be coming in the car with me? I have been busy sourcing outfits, picking dresses and choosing accessories. I don’t mind, it’s a part of the glamour that is the Rose of Tralee festival. We are asked to bring no more than two suitcases on tour with us, so I am going to have to fit my entire wardrobe into these narrow dimensions,” Julie replies.
There are no set number of ensembles but at least 20 outfits, including a mixture of day and cocktail dresses as well as ball gowns, can be expected.
However, there is one very important thing close to Julie’s heart that will accompany her to the festival.
“My lucky charm will be with me all the way – my guardian angel and cousin John,” Julie smiles as she looks down at the delicate silver angel bracelet on her wrist.
“All Roses will take care of their own hair and makeup each day of the tour, with the exception of the Rose Ball and TV nights. I am okay on the make up front but my hairdresser Joyce has been busy teaching me her skills in record time for Tralee.”
The Men In Black
The Rose of Tralee is not all about the ladies, with the coveted escorts gearing up for the experience as well.
“We get two escorts this year, how lucky are we?” Julie says as she gathers her things.
“Chivalry really isn’t dead with them around as they carry our bags, offer Roses their own jackets if it’s raining and cold, hold umbrellas, have a first aid kit ready at hand and take pictures. There is nothing these men can’t do.”
But what about her boyfriend Paudie?
“He doesn’t mind,” Julie giggles. “Secretly I think he is looking forward to some other man having to put up with me for the week,” she laughs, as she breezes past me to make another appearance as the Wexford Rose.
The Rose of Tralee runs from 16-22 August. For further information, visit www.roseoftralee.ie CL
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