Regional Finals Here We Come!

Just a few days after landing back in Ireland from my trip back to Australia, I am very excited to be heading to Portlaoise and The Heritage Hotel for the Rose of Tralee Regional Finals!

Roses will begin to arrive in Laois this Thursday, for what is the biggest gathering of Roses in the history of the Rose of Tralee International Festival. A total of 54 young ladies from all over the world will travel to the Midlands!

An international crowd are expected for a fun-packed weekend which will begin on Friday 1st June when the Roses will be formally welcomed at a Civic Reception in the Plaza in Portlaoise. The RTÉ 2FM Roadcaster will broadcast live from outside the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, the Roses will enjoy visits to well known landmarks in Laois, and take part in a parade with their Rosebuds in vehicles from the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Rally.

I am also excited about seeing Dáithí Ó Sé again, who will be hosting three nights of Rose Selection at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel.

The greatest reward I have received since entering into the world of the Rose of Tralee, have been the friendships that have been forged along the way. I truly believe that these bonds form the very core of the Festival and are the reason why it continues to thrive as a unique way of connecting our Irish community from Sydney to Sligo. I wish everyone the most enjoyable few days in Portlaoise and I look forward to meeting so many more new friends over the course of the weekend.