Tara's Diary
2 May 2012
This week I am writing from 40,000 miles above, on my way home to the land downunder. The past fortnight was very exciting, with photo shoots and selection nights galore.
I found myself in Dublin in Dundrum shopping centre, doing a photoshoot for Cystic Fibrosis. There were curious onlookers to boot as I held the gorgeous baby Grace, who has CF. It was loads of fun as always, and hopefully helped in raising some awareness for their new campaign.
The selections to find the 2012 Roses were well under way, and I decided to attend Sligo, Donegal and Derry. I felt like I was back on Rose tour, getting frocked up in ball gowns three nights in a row! I was accompanied by Steve and Evelyn from the festival, and I really enjoyed all three evenings, and meeting all the girls, hearing their stories, and watching their beautiful party pieces. It was a strange sensation noticing the girls look at me the way I had once looked at Clare, the Rose before me, but a lovely feeling, and I was quite flattered! The judges had tough decisions in every county, and I was so impressed with the calibre of women in each of these places. I can’t wait to welcome the three new Roses to the Regionals in Portlaoise.
A couple of days of much needed rest in Dublin, and then on to the Dublin Rose Ball in the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown. I was so impressed with the girls I met, and couldn’t get over the sheer number of entrants. My beautiful Dublin Rose, Siobhéal was also there to represent the class of 2011, as was Darragh, an Escort from last year. There was a mix of excitement and nerves at the ball, as judging commenced the next day. I tried my best to calm the girl’s nerves, and was delighted to get the opportunity to meet them all. The band played into the night as I snuck away due to my early start the next morning.
Up bright and early, Fionan and I drove to Meath for our friends Laura and Neil’s wedding. It was a glorious day, a miracle really, given the horrible weather we’d had all week! The next day, I drove down to Carlow for a photo shoot with the unstoppable force that are Jedward. The weather was atrocious, so we were forced to do the photo shoot in a hotel room. To say that I was zapped of energy after they left was an understatement! There was jumping on beds, running around the room, there wasn’t a second to breathe! I have to say that I am a huge Jedward fan, and can’t wait to see them perform down in Tralee this year. I got a kiss on both cheeks from the pair, and I’m sure was the envy of many a teenage girl across the country!
Back to Dublin to wash, pack and organise my things for my trip to Brisbane. I cannot believe how fast the year is flying by. The thought of handing over my Queensland sash in two weeks is devastating, but I am so, so excited for the next Rose from my Sunshine State! Next stop, Brisbane airport.
Previous entries for Tara's Diary can be viewed here:
2010 Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu's diary can be viewed here:
