After an incredible fortnight of celebrations spanning the breadth of the country, it was emotional to look on as 64 remarkable women bid adieu to Tralee – and to each other – as the festival drew to a close.

Having approached the Rose of Tralee as strangers, these ladies now leave as dear friends.

“It has been an absolutely phenomenal experience, one that I struggle to place words on,” smiles my sister, Julie, who represented Wexford, as she reminisces back to the day that all of the Roses met for the first time.

“We bonded straight away, like you wouldn’t believe. I have been surrounded with fascinating, intelligent and empowering women, who share a similar open-mindedness and verve for life.”

Heroes

And it seemed as though superheroes hung up their capes and in their place donned tailored tuxes, as 64 dapper gentlemen accompanied the Roses through Tralee as escorts.

“I was very lucky to have Conor Brady and Barry O’Fiachain guide me on my way. These men were absolute saints and had problems solved before they even arose. Being from an agricultural background, road frontage proved to be a hot topic among some of the escorts,” laughs Julie.

Highlights

Watching Julie beam from ear-to-ear as she remembers her experiences, I can’t help but ask if there were any funny moments behind the scenes.

“There were lots, but one in particular stands out to me and that was a sing-off in the Glenroyal Hotel between our group of Roses.

“Each team was assigned a song and had to perform it in beautiful ballgowns – actually our current Rose of Tralee, Jenny, performed a wheelbarrow with the Meath Rose, Anne, for their rendition of Molly Malone.”

Out of all the things that happened in the festival, there was someone that made Julie’s experience in Tralee all the more special.

“I was absolutely blessed to have my beautiful Rosebud (local girls aged six to 10) Arie accompany me on my adventure in Tralee. Together we sang our hearts out and danced our socks off throughout the whole festival.

“My favourite moment of all would have to have been the Parade of the Roses. The atmosphere was absolutely electric and everyone was in great form, I even managed to spot a life-sized cardboard cut-out of myself in the crowd,” laughs Julie.

“From fireworks to floats, it was a spectacle to say the least, and was made all the more special by having Arie by my side.”

R&R

It has been a hectic few weeks for the Roses, but all involved have powered through.

“I am exhausted, but I’m also kept running on the rush of adrenaline that the experience provides. When everything is said and done, I am looking forward to resting my vocal cords and myself before heading back to the school books and meeting my lovely students,” says Julie.

Just taking a glance at all of the Roses, it is clear to see that each is an accomplished individual in their field.

“Though not all of us made the televised final, each and every one of the ladies that I have met on this journey have incredible stories to tell.

“I wish our new Rose of Tralee, Jennifer Byrne, and all of the other fantastic Roses the very best with all of the exciting experiences that this year has in store for them.” CL