Rose of Tralee

Sinead Boyle Motyer became Rose of Tralee in 1989 representing Dublin, and was the fourth Dublin Rose to win the title

Winning the Rose of Tralee was an unforgettable experience for me 20 years ago. Being selected the 1989 Rose was a mixture of shock and excitement which then turned into a great sense of achievement and pride. This pride only gets stronger and deeper over the years and it is indeed an honour to be a Rose of Tralee and a member of that very exclusive club!

A favourite memory for me at that time was recalling how much my family (Mum and Dad, five sisters, one brother and all my relatives) enjoyed the week of festivities in Tralee. I remember them making banners, wearing T-shirts and cheering me on and supporting me throughout the week. I also remember vividly, the noise and excitement in the Dome when I was announced as the 1989 Rose of Tralee. It was a wonderful experience to share with them.    

Following my Rose of Tralee year, myself and Nigel, who was with me as my Escort in Tralee, took a career break and we travelled extensively. I was able to catch up with many of the Roses from my year in the various countries we visited and deepened friendships that have lasted right throughout the years.

On our return, I continued my career in AIB, where I have had the opportunity to work in a broad range of areas which included working in Retail banking, Customer Relationship Management and Training and Development. I now work in Human Resources, in Head Office in Dublin. I have continued my involvement in basketball at Senior level and am now also a coach in the youth programme in my local club, always on the look out for the next potential Rose!

Nigel and I married in 1996 and we live in Dublin with our two wonderful children Hannah (8) and Ben (6). Coming back to Tralee to celebrate 50 years of the Festival is made all the more special as I can now share it with my own children.  

Thank you to all who worked so hard to keep this wonderful Festival alive over the past 50 years and here’s to another 50 years!

August 2009