Rose of Tralee

Geraldine Fitzgerald Tierney became Rose of Tralee in 1963, representing Boston

Geraldine won the Rose Selection in 1963 representing Boston when she was just 17-years-old.

Winning the Rose of Tralee opened many doors for Geraldine - she made long lasting friends and travelled extensively. The highlight of her becoming Rose was her visit to Rome and an audience with his holiness Pope John XXIII.

After winning the Rose of Tralee she went on to further her education in becoming an Estetion. She opened her own beauty salon and was very successful up until her death in 2004.

Geraldine loved animals, especially cats, and organised many charitable events for the animal shelter in Cambridge, Massachussetts.

Geraldine and her sister Evelyn were born in London of Tralee parents John and May Fitzgerald (John is deceased and May is still living). The highlight of their summers was to visit Tralee to spend time with their cousins.

Geraldine was a very caring and kind person and loved Ireland, and was a wonderful Ambassador for the Rose of Tralee.

August 2009

We thank Geraldine’s cousin Mary Jennings and many other members of Geraldine’s family for their help in compiling this biography.