Kaleidoscope of colour as 32 girls picked to be Rose Buds at Rose of Tralee Festival

SCREAMS of joy rang out around the Kingdom last Friday when 32 young girls were told that they were picked to become the Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre Rose Buds at this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival. Nearly 700 entries from girls aged between 6 and 12 years of age were received in the colouring competition run through the Kerryman and Corkman newspapers in association with Toby World. General Manager of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Oliver Hurley, said: “I may be the father of two teenage girls, but I had forgotten how popular pink and purple are for younger girls! The pictures were chosen at random from the entries received but the standard of artwork from the children was phenomenal – glitter, sequins, paint and pencils all combined to create some wonderful imaginative images. Unfortunately, we could only pick 32 pictures and those lucky artists will become Rose Buds for this year’s Festival, but we wish to thank everyone who took the time to enter.” More than 100 of the entries were sent in from children outside Kerry with many from Dublin, Cork, Galway, Northern Ireland and the United States while €1 from every entry will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. The 32 lucky Rose Buds – 24 from Kerry and 8 from outside the county - will each be paired with an International Rose, attend the first televised selection night in the Dome, participate in two Rose parades, take part in their own Gala Rose Bud evening at the Carlton Hotel Tralee and enjoy the fun of a week-long Rose Bud Summer Camp. The Rose of Tralee Rose Buds are sponsored by Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre in association with Toby World and The Kerryman/Corkman Newspaper.

Rose of Tralee to feature in televised coverage of Easter Ceremonies in Tralee

THE Rose of Tralee will play a major part in the Holy Week Ceremonies which will be televised by RTÉ, for the first time, live from St John’s Church in Tralee. Clare Kambamettu will read the first reading from St Paul's letter to the Romans (Rom, 6: 3-11) during the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday April 23rd. The Communications Manager for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, John Drummey, said: “It is a great honour for the Rose of Tralee to be associated with this historic broadcast. In addition to the religious significance, the viewers will see an introductory film about Tralee and its community before the live coverage on both Friday and Saturday. We also hope to see a brief excerpt from last year's selection in the Dome in that package.” Fr Dermod McCarthy, a former Head of Religious Programmes on RTÉ, will produce and direct the Holy Week broadcasts. He has identified a number of connections between Clare Kambamettu’s participation in the Ceremonies at St John’s Church, the main players in the original story of the Rose of Tralee and his own Ministry in the 1970s in Kildare. “I have known Clare Kambamettu since she was a toddler. I served in Athy, Co.Kildare in the 1970's and her family and I have been close friends ever since. Historically, it may be of interest to note that both Mary O'Connor, the original Rose of the song, and William Pembroke Mulchinoch, who wrote it, would have attended Mass in the then newly-built Church of St John the Baptist in Tralee in the late 1850's. Its foundation stone was laid in 1854. According to local historians their ill-fated relationship ended in 1862. Another link to Clare Kambamettu comes through her father Dr Ravi Kambamettu who is a native of India where William Mulchinoch was sent by his family to bring an end to any hopes of marriage with Mary.” Fr Sean Hanafin, the Parish Priest in St John’s Parish, will be the main celebrant on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Fr Pat Ahern, the founder of Siamsa Tire and life-long friend of Fr Dermod McCarthy will direct the music and drama inserts. The singers will be the Tralee parish choir accompanied by 15 local traditional musicians and John Jones on the organ. The dramatised Passion at 3pm on Good Friday April 22nd and the Easter Vigil Mass at 10.55pm on Saturday April 23th will both be carried live on RTÉ1 and streamed around the world on www.rte.ie/live. They will also be available on RTÉ Player from Monday 25th for a further three weeks on www.rte.ie/player.

Men with Escort Factor wanted to chaperone beautiful Roses...hmm, tough job!

IT’S probably the best job in the world, a Rose of Tralee Escort. If you are unattached (but not afraid of commitment), a complete gentleman (but with a wicked sense of humour), well mannered (but with a touch of the devil) but above all, know how to treat a lady, or you know someone who would be perfect for the job, then this is the job for you! “The Rose of Tralee Escorts are the 32 most envied men in Ireland every August,” according to Colm Croffy, the Rose of Tralee Escort Co-ordinator. “Ireland’s most eligible single men between 21 and 30 years of age could enjoy a chance to become their county’s Rose Escort and secure a place at the now famous Escorts Boot Camp Weekend. Once they have shown their mettle and proved their worth and stamina, the ultimate reward will be a week of fun in Tralee with the most charming and accomplished young women in Ireland – the 32 International Rose of Tralee contestants,” said Colm, who was a Rose Escort himself once upon a time. The reigning Escort of the Year representing the County Derry Rose Centre, Robbie Costelloe, has described his two years as a Rose Escort as being the highlight of his life to date. “The friends I’ve made are for life, the memories will never dim and the laughs along the way are the loudest we will ever have. I should know, I enjoyed it so much I did it for two years and it only costs €100 for a guy to enter,” he said. And as if escorting the Roses isn’t enough, of the 32 Escorts who make the grade to reach the International Festival, one man will be chosen by the Roses as the Escort of the Year and win €1000, a weekend break in any one of the Carlton Hotels and other great prizes. Once again, the Rose of Tralee Escorts will take part in a fundraising campaign for the charity organisation “1Life Turn The Tide of Suicide”. For more information, simply log onto www.roseoftralee.ie and download an application form or telephone 066 712 1322. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms and the non-refundable application fee is Friday 22nd April. The 2011 Rose of Tralee International Festival will begin on Friday 19th August with the Gala Rose Ball. The Escort of the Year will be announced on live television on Monday 22nd while the next Rose of Tralee will be announced on Tuesday 23rd August.

Rose Clare asks Taoiseach to come to Tralee for Festival 2011

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has received a personal invitation from Clare Kambamettu to attend the 2011 Rose of Tralee International Festival. The reigning Rose met Mr Kenny at a Business Networking Lunch at the Irish Embassy during her recent visit to Washington DC and again, more recently, last Friday night at the launch of 65 Roses Week in aid of Cystic Fibrosis fundraising initiatives. The General Manager of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Oliver Hurley, has endorsed Clare Kambamettu’s invitation with a formal letter to the Taoiseach asking him to come to Tralee in August. “Not since 1993 has a Taoiseach attended our world famous Festival and Enda Kenny’s presence at this year’s event would have a positive impact on its continued growth. The Rose of Tralee International Festival, which is part of Ireland’s culture since 1959, plays a key role in connecting the global Irish community, especially at home in Ireland, during these difficult times.” Kerry North TD and Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaelteacht Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan who we also hope will be a guest of honour at this year’s Rose of Tralee, is aware of the invitation to the Taoiseach. “We have indicated to Minister Deenihan that any input on his part which may help bring An Taoiseach to the Festival would be most welcome,” said Oliver Hurley. The 2011 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from the 19th to the 23rd of August, while the Rose of Tralee Regional Finals will be held in Portlaoise from June 3rd to 6th.

Obama picks Roses over Shamrock as Rose of Tralee receives invitation to White House for St Patrick’s Day

CAN the Rose of Tralee International Festival make a major impression on the biggest global platform on St Patrick’s Day? Well, according to the US President Barack Obama, “Yes it can!” Clare Kambamettu, the 2010 Rose of Tralee has received a personal invitation from Mr Obama and his wife Michelle, to join them at the White House for their St Patrick’s Day festivities. The Communications Manager for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, John Drummey, said: “In joining a list of famous celebrities from the world of entertainment, politics and other walks of life on such a high profile occasion, Clare will fly the flag for Ireland’s top International Festival. This invitation again confirms how highly the Rose of Tralee is regarded at the highest level and how important the Festival is to the overall link between Ireland and the United States for industry and tourism. In addition to her visit to the White House to meet the President, Clare Kambamettu will meet the new Taoiseach Enda Kenny at a Business Networking Lunch hosted by the Irish Ambassador. Clare Kambamettu’s trip to Washington DC on March 17th will take place after she leads the St Patrick’s Day Parade in London on Sunday 13th March. That parade will mark the beginning of a major drive throughout Britain to promote tourism in Kerry. “The Rose of Tralee International Festival is the only Irish event that can promote Kerry and Ireland as a tourism destination simultaneously to a worldwide market on St Patrick’s Day. Roses representing Carlow, Tipperary, Dublin, Cork, Sunderland, San Francisco, Boston and Philadephia will join the current New York Rose for the 250th Year celebrations at the world’s largest St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York on March 17th,” said John Drummey. Once again, Kerry Senator Mark Daly has been instrumental in co-ordinating the Rose of Tralee’s St Patrick’s Day schedule in Washington DC. The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from 19th to 23rd August and the National Finals of the Rose of Tralee will be held in Portlaoise from 3rd to 6th June.

Dáithí Ó Sé launches search for a new national treasure, the next Rose of Tralee

TO CELEBRATE the announcement that he is once again set to present the Rose of Tralee on RTÉ One next August, Dáithí Ó Sé joined the current Rose Clare Kambamettu in launching the search for her successor. Dáithí and Clare launched the hunt on Grafton Street in Dublin today beside the Molly Malone statue - another woman made famous through the words of a song. Dáithí and Clare are encouraging young ladies between the ages of 18 and 27 to enter the 2011 Rose of Tralee. “A €25,000 world travel prize fund, the use of a brand new car for the year and a treasure trove of Newbridge Jewellery and homeware await the next Rose of Tralee. However, the most valuable prize of all is the experience of taking part in a life-changing event,” said Clare Kambamettu, who was the 2010 London Rose. Local businesses, sports organisations and professional groupings are being invited to take part in the selection events in their respective counties and application forms are now available from www.roseoftralee.ie, info@roseoftralee.ie and from the Rose of Tralee Head Office on 066-7121322. Since she was crowned the 52nd Rose of Tralee last August, Clare Kambamettu has enjoyed the most incredible year of her life: “The opportunities that have presented themselves to me have been life changing and I have made friends for life. The events I attended were amazing and I have already had an opportunity to return to India, my father’s native country. I would encourage every girl to enter the search for the Rose in every county - no matter how far you get in the process, you can be assured it will be a memorable experience.” The Rose of Tralee International Festival has successfully connected the global Irish community since 1959 and it continues to draw strength from local communities throughout Ireland. The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from 19th to 23rd August 2011 and the new Rose will be crowned live on RTÉ One on Tuesday 23rd August. The Regional Finals of the Rose of Tralee, also hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé, will take place in Portlaoise from June 3rd to 6th 2011.

Newbridge Silverware’s leading man, Ronan O’Gara joins forces with the Rose of Tralee International Festival

ALREADY a knight in shining armour to thousands for his endeavours on the playing pitch, Ronan O’Gara will become the Newbridge Silverware Representative for the 2011 Rose of Tralee International Festival. On behalf of the lead Sponsor, Newbridge Silverware, Ronan will perform a series of special duties and appearances related to the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Ultimately, schedule permitting, Ronan will line–out on the judging panel, at the 2011 Rose Festival in Tralee. “I am honoured to perform this very important role on behalf of the Festival’s, lead Sponsor, Newbridge Silverware. Over 4 years ago I became an Ambassador for Newbridge Silverware and this opportunity indeed represents a great highlight for me. The Rose of Tralee is an intrinsic part of Irish heritage and has enormous appreciation world – wide. I very much look forward to playing some part in this legacy and wish all contestants a most memorable festival “said Ronan O’Gara, Ambassador for Newbridge Silverware. Current Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu joined Ronan O’Gara to announce his involvement in this year’s Festival: “The Rose of Tralee is an iconic part of Irish culture and it is only fitting to have a living Irish legend associated with it. It is now six months since last year’s Judges chose me to represent the Festival, Kerry and Ireland on the world stage. Ronan has already represented Munster and Ireland on the world stage with great distinction and he will know exactly what is needed to find the next Rose of Tralee.” Details of the remaining four judges will be announced well in advance of this year’s Festival which runs from August 19th to 23rd. A treasure trove of Jewellery and homewares from Lead Sponsor, Newbridge Silverware, a €25,000 world travel prize fund and the use of a brand new car for the year, all await the next Rose of Tralee. The search is now underway to find the 2011 Rose of Tralee with selections taking place all over Ireland and across the world. Anyone who wishes to enter their county selection is invited to download an application form at www.roseoftralee.ie or email info@roseoftralee.ie. The Rose of Tralee Office can also be contacted directly on 066-7121322.

Tralee man to take over running of Rose of Tralee International Festival

IRELAND’S most famous nationally and internationally acclaimed festival will start 2011 with a new leader at the helm, Tralee-native Oliver Hurley. Anthony O’Gara, the Managing Director of the Rose of Tralee International Festival has appointed him as the General Manager of the organisation and he has asked Oliver to take over the responsibility of managing the event. In becoming General Manager of the world renowned festival, Oliver Hurley said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Rose of Tralee International Festival through these ambitious times and build on the huge success that was created by so many people over the past 52 years. I have a strong sense of belief in the festival and all that it stands for and with my theatrical background I hope to bring creativity and strong production values to the event. As a team we intend to continue the development of new centres worldwide which have tripled in recent times while also maintaining the world-class standard of the August festival.” He has gained valuable experience as the Operations Manager of the Rose of Tralee since 2004 and during his six years in that role he has been instrumental in producing a world-class Festival including the spectacular 50 years celebrations in 2009. Anthony O’Gara is to become the Executive Chairman of the Rose of Tralee International Festival with a broader and strategic role in guiding the organisation forward. He will continue to work closely with the lead sponsors Newbridge Silverware and other major sponsors including RTÉ and The Carlton Hotel Group. Anthony O’Gara will also be instrumental in progressing the development of a permanent structure in Tralee to replace the Dome. “Having worked closely with Anthony over the past six years it has become clear to me that this festival embraces all that is positive about being Irish. I have always had a strong passion for the Rose of Tralee, having grown up with the festival from a young age. I never realised that I would someday day be in the fortunate position to oversee its development and hopefully watch it continue to flourish for many years to come,” said Oliver Hurley. Highly respected at local level as well as nationally in the Irish entertainment and arts industry, Oliver Hurley began his theatrical career at the age of nine as a performer with Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland. He subsequently became the Artistic Director of the Company from 2000-2005 and he established The Oliver Hurley School of Musical Theatre in 2005. A twice winner of the Award for Best Director at the AIMS National Awards Ceremony, Oliver’s winning mentality will be of great benefit to the Festival and to the town of Tralee. He said that he is under no illusions as to the challenges facing the Rose of Tralee in the current economic crisis: “We are living through a challenging time and it is vital that we connect as a global Irish community to embrace the Festival as a means of generating economic growth for the town of Tralee. I urge all local people within the business, social and sporting sectors to continue to support the event while I look forward to continuing working with the extremely talented and dedicated team now in place. I hope that the festival will continue to grow and remain a vital part of our heritage for many years to come.” The Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place 19th to 23rd August 2011. The 2011 Rose will be crowned in the Dome and live on RTÉ TV on Tuesday August 23rd. Tickets to the Rose Selections, Rose Ball and Fashion Show can be reserved now from www.roseoftralee.ie or by phone on 00353-66-7121322.

Festival continues to attract visitors from outside Kerry

THE Rose of Tralee International Festival in 2010 continued to attract a large number of visitors from outside the county as the total number of rooms occupied in eight Tralee hotels combined was 3031 over the five days. This accounted for 87% of the total hotel room capacity for the eight hotels in question from Friday 20th to Tuesday 24th August. This figure amounts to nearly 6000 bednights (one bednight = one person per room; two bednights = two people sharing; three bednights = three people sharing etc...). The average length of stay was three nights over the course of the five day festival. It has not been possible to obtain the figures from some other holiday providers including holiday apartments, guesthouses and hotels in Tralee during the Festival. The Communications Manager for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, John Drummey, said that these figures are very encouraging for the town, the accommodation providers and the Festival. He said the figures demonstrate the lasting appeal of the Festival to visitors from other parts of Ireland and abroad.

Rose Festival team honoured by Mayor of Tralee at Civic Reception

THE Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Arthur Spring, has bestowed the highest honour possible, at a local level, to the team that has organised the Rose of Tralee International Festival since 2004. A Civic Reception organised by Tralee Town Council and the Mayor was held in honour of the current Festival management team and the local civic authorities including the Garda, Civil Defence, Red Cross and Festival of Kerry Support Group. The Managing Director of the Rose of Tralee, Anthony O’Gara has said: “We are committed to bringing more visitors to Tralee during the Festival in August, and we will continue to move forward with new ideas and initiatives that will help us realise this goal. Everyone on the team recognises and appreciates the goodwill of the people of Tralee as well the relevant local authorities, tourism bodies and our local and national sponsors. In doing this, we are mindful that we are carrying forward the torch that was lit by our predecessors in 1959 when the Festival began.” Cllr Spring said: “There is no Festival in Ireland, or anywhere else in the world where the participants, in this case the Roses, become International Ambassadors. Tralee owes Anthony O’Gara, and his colleagues, a huge amount gratitude for taking the Rose of Tralee International Festival to a new level since saving it from financial ruin in 2004. For much of its 52 years history, we the people of Tralee became complacent in our attitude towards the Festival, but it is the people of Tralee who have helped the Festival to turn the corner.” The Mayor said that the feel good factor has returned in recent years and it’s essential that everyone works hard as a united community to help any new plans to grow the Festival to become a reality. The search to find the next Rose of Tralee is due to get underway in earnest in the New Year as regional Rose Selections begin around Ireland in many of the 74 Rose Centres in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Britain, New Zealand and Dubai. Full details and application forms are available from www.roseoftralee.ie. The next Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from Friday 19th to the 23rd August 2011.