Rose of Tralee

Brenda Hyland Beirne became the Rose of Tralee in 1983 representing Waterford, and was the second Waterford Rose to win the title

Becoming Rose of Tralee was a breath taking experience which lasted intently that year. It gave me confidence to spread my wings and fly which I did with Royal Jordanian airlines for a year before getting married. I then trained as a Beauty Therapist and as my leave of absence from An Garda Síochána caught up with me, it was time to come back down to earth and get on with the next journey of life.

Becoming the Rose of Tralee was a fairytale surprise. It brought such joy to my parents and family. As Rose of Tralee, you become an ambassador for your country, this is indeed an honour.

I was the Silver Jubilee Rose of Tralee and that was a special year too as there was a huge birthday cake cut in front of the massive crowd at the Ashe Memorial Hall, fireworks and birthday cake, ABBA music, dancing in the street – that’s what memories are made of.

Now I live within an energetic community and am involved in whatever is happening, including the Kildare Fleadh as we are a vibrant branch of Comhaltas.

My husband Gerry and I have four children: Jennifer, Tadhg, Alannah and Caoimhe spanning from primary school to university.

While there are so many special memories, one everlasting image imprinted in my mind was looking down from the stage just after the announcement, at my colleagues in the Garda Band, and their beaming smiles. It was such an uplifting experience during a dull time in Ireland.

My dreams and aspirations continue to motivate me even now as I journey with my family, as I know dreams really do come true!

August 2009