On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Selection of any of our Rose of Tralee Alumni, we like to take the opportunity to celebrate. We hold so dear all of our Roses of Tralee and we are so honoured to see them return en masse, year after year, in support of this great Festival. This year’s 50th Anniversary Rose is the wonderful Maggie Flaherty Garrison.
What was your life like in 1974?
I was living in New York City, in a glorified shoe box on Madison and 62nd. Working with Wilhelmina modelling agency and remember going on “Go-Sees” [auditions] most days and living off of cottage cheese and chicken. Being from Virginia Beach and having no real interest in fashion definitely made me feel like a bit of a misfit. But if I hadn’t been working at Wilhelmina [Wilhelmina Models, is a modelling and talent agency headquartered in New York City] in 1974, I might have never been a part of the Rose of Tralee Festival!
Raised on the beach of Chesapeake bay, in VA Beach, Virginia. I was born Margaret Ann Flaherty, the third of 6 children of Leo and Betty Flaherty. We had an idealistic childhood, the beach as our back yard and thick woods in the front. The water was our life. Crabbing, fishing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, and surfing. My first vehicle was a 14ft aluminium boat with a 5 HP Mercury motor. I loved flying on the waves or gliding at sunset when the water was a perfect refection of the sky. My dad Leo was always up for adventure and was a risk taker, in contrast to mother’s more cautious ways. Dad owned an Esso Service Station, so in addition to always smelling like petrol, he made sure we had all the toys, go-karts, motorcycles, boats of all kinds, cars, trailers and trucks.
When I was about 11 (1962) 30-foot waves washed away our house and almost all of our belongings in what was called the “Ash Wednesday Storm”. Shortly after we moved to a proper neighbourhood called Vatican Circle, to join the ranks of every Irish family in the Holy Trinity Parish. The Kavanaughs, the Callahans, the Fitzpatricks. All with lots of kids to play with, and whose’ families made our brood of 6 seem small. If it wasn’t jumping rope or jacks, there was always a basketball, baseball, or football game going on and any number of kids to join in. My mom was an amazing cook and she always had plenty for whoever showed up at supper time.
Picture me, pumping gas at my dad’s station in 1967, the days of full service stations. I asked a customer if he wanted me to check the oil and tire pressure and I was “discovered”. Within an hour he was back with a camera and the next morning an article with photos was published in the local paper – The Virginian-Pilot Ledger-Star. That article caught the attention of one of Wilhelmina’s scouts and all of a sudden, I was going to modelling school. I had never had a thought about fashion, at 15 years old a bathing suit and a school uniform was all I ever needed.
We all played sports and worked through high school. For example, in 9th-12th grade I would go to school in my uniform then change into a mini skirt and boots to greet incoming dignitaries as Ms. Virginia Hospitality or opening a new mall. I spent a lot of my junior and senior year introducing Virginians to new models of boats and cars (from a spinning platform). I did fashion shows and some print work, mostly newspaper advertisements and catalogs.
I moved to Washington DC after graduation and continued to work, now in a larger market. I loved DC, it was so exciting and in 1970 demonstrations and protests were everywhere. There was Watergate, The Vietnam War, Kent State, Women’s Rights…and the Beatles broke up and it was all happening right around me. The music scene was also booming. The Cellar Door, a very famous music club, was located on the corner down the street from my apartment in Georgetown. I experienced Richie Havens, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, JJ Cale, Linda Ronstat, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and so many more.
I moved to New York City on my 21st birthday. It was a struggle for sure. Like many other people moving to the city, I couldn’t afford much more than a shoebox that could barely fit a cot in. I never did see the glamorous side of being a “model” until I saw a poster at Wilhelmina’s – it read something like “If you’re Irish…you can go to IRELAND…Rose of Tralee”. Maggie Flaherty, that was my new name given to me by “Willy” (Wilhelmina) and I was ready for a new adventure.
What if anything did you know about the Rose of Tralee Festival when you entered in New York and what did the process of application involve?
Honestly… I knew nothing. I was called into my agent’s office and asked if I knew of my Irish roots as my name was of course Maggie Flaherty. I let them know there was a gate in Galway that reads: “God save us from the ferocious O’Flaherty’s”, other than that I’m very proud of my Irish heritage and draw strength from it. Both of my parents were Irish.
Once I was chosen, I started a whirlwind of events and meetings with the New York Festival Committee. The whole year had been go-sees and cottage cheese, now I was thrilled to be eating shrimp cocktails, tiny Hors-d’oeuvres and sipping my first champagne at the elaborate events leading up to the selection in NYC. It happened very quickly, I met a lot of amazing people and within 3-4 weeks, I was attending a ball at the United Nations where I became the 1974 New York Rose.
I was trying to remember people’s names and how they were involved, sponsors, judges, contestants. It was overwhelming until I relaxed and focused on the people and stories around me and got out of my own way. I got the chance to speak with Rose Kennedy and she gave me some great advice which I have shared to this day. She told me “never to show my fear and to hold my shoulders back,” – good advice! Being chosen to represent the city of New York was so unexpected, it was an absolute blur. I do remember there was a very short time to get ready to leave for Tralee.
When you became the New York Rose – what was the reaction locally, and how did you prepare for Tralee?
I wasn’t prepared for any of it, especially the reaction locally. I still hadn’t fully grasped how big of a deal the festival was. For example, my parents were made aware of my win by a reporter calling from the New York Times within an hour after I was announced. I imagine they were pretty shocked and surprised.
My “wardrobe” did not exist and certainly the few items I had were not ballgowns. One day, before we were set to leave, a large brown trunk arrived for my attention, full to the brim with a stylist’s wardrobe suited for me specifically. I had the most beautiful outfits that gave me the extra boost of confidence I needed. To this day, no one has ever taken credit for sending this magic trunk. I had my suspicions of course but want to respect their anonymity.
Paint us a picture of the whole experience once you got to Ireland and leading up to the Selection night in Tralee
My flight to Ireland was my first international flight and Aer Lingus flew me first class. The airplane was huge. When we arrived at the Shannon Airport, I remember it being a sea of sash’s and making new friends like Mary Brown the Rose from Leeds and Amy Dwyer the Washington D.C. Rose.
Some of the highlights for me on the bus trip from Shannon with the other Roses to Tralee were visiting the Parliament in Dublin, going to the horse races and being thrown into the dungeon at Bunratty Castle. I also recall thinking it was so odd that I was being wagered on in the newspaper. I remember everyone singing songs. Everyone was so musical and talented. I had never sung or played an instrument but couldn’t help but join in with everyone. I remember singing “Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” – a children’s song! It was the other Roses that stood out most. Each one so talented and kind. Genuine beauty inside and out. We were all fast friends sharing an amazing experience together. We stayed at the Brandon Hotel in Tralee and were introduced to Dorothy Chard, our tiny-but-mighty chaperone. We were paired with Escorts and started rounds of meet & greets. I remember feeling really bonded with the other 26 Roses since we had spent so much time prior on the bus trip.
Did it feel like an important thing to be involved in?
Of course! I was going to castles, to the parliament, meeting with dignitaries and important officials. Young women and girls coming up and asking me, Maggie Flaherty, for my autograph? I had never thought writing my name could be so special. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. I felt so honoured.
How was the Rose Parade in 1974?
Two other ladies and I were grateful to ride on the “Tralee Autos LTD” float. That float didn’t win. It was more about being in the parade, I didn’t fuss too much about the actual float. I do remember it was raining and everyone was so worried about the parade. Moments before the parade started the rain stopped, it was perfect!
Can you remember the questions you were asked onstage? Any standout moments?
Gay Byrne was the MC. I did enjoy the chat so much, but if I am being honest, I don’t recall much. It could be the 50 years that have passed, or the fact that I couldn’t recall much of what happened even then. It was an out of body experience. I remember him talking about my Dad having to sell his boat, and the name of the boat was “The Winner”, but other than that all I recall was looking out at the audience and seeing both my mom and dad with their hands over their eyes shaking their heads, I couldn’t tell if they were laughing or crying. That’s about all I can remember.
Do you remember the moment when your name was called out as the Rose of Tralee?
Funny story actually. So, my final outfit I was to wear for the selection night was made by the Irish designer (Mary Donnell) and I had only received it hours before the event (a two-piece halter top with an A- frame floor length skirt). The gorgeous top was about 4 sizes too large, so my mom, being the “can’t fail” woman that she was, took Kotex feminine pads and lined the inside of my halter top so it could be worn…and it worked, until I was walking back from my final interview questions, and I saw a piece of dreaded white cotton start to emerge from the sides of my top. I was calmly trying to get my bust aide back into its rightful, hidden place, when the Amy next to me on stage elbowed me two or three times before I could actually comprehend what she was saying – “Maggie! They are calling your name, you won.” Then I was swept away. I don’t think it really hit me till I saw the crowds at Denny street, singing the “Rose of Tralee”. It was crazy, all those people, singing. I couldn’t stop grinning. I still can’t when I think about it.
Did you remain in touch with the other Roses afterwards?
I kept in contact with three or four of the girls through letters for years, but now with social media and WhatsApp, the Rose community today is more vibrant than ever. I have so many friends that I keep in touch with, and we make plans for visits whenever we can!
What was Tralee town like during the festivities?
The town has grown up a lot since 1974 and I think the festival has had a lot to do with it. New hotels, venues, the beautiful rose garden, the Kerry Museum with dresses from most years represented. The town feels more alive than ever. When you visit, you can see how much pride the people take in their city. The city has grown up, but the authenticity, integrity, tradition and magic remain in Tralee.
How has the Festival impacted on your life?
Life changing. A launching pad for everything that came after. I was always a very independent woman, but the world opened up after this. It felt bigger. I felt so alive and excited to be a part of it. To be a part of my community but also to carry the traditions and histories of my family and all those who came before me. OOOH, and the tattoo! I got a tattoo with my girls to celebrate my pride.
After Tralee I was back in NYC and continued working for Willy until December ‘74. That continued until I was offered an onsite ski apparel shoot in Vail, Colorado and jumped at the opportunity. At the time, I actually thought it was for water skiing, which I was accustomed to. In the end, I decided to fake it and learned how to snow ski.
Something about this tiny town of Vail intrigued me so I decided not to return to New York. Small mountain towns aren’t ideal for a modelling career, so I embarked on a new path. Food service was in my blood and there was opportunity for self-starters. Two years later I was managing a restaurant called Ruby’s. I hired a clean cut, well-dressed, good-looking fella named Mark Garrison. I mention his attire because most guys back then wore long hair and cowboy boots. He had moved to Vail from Kansas in ‘73 to live out the typical post-college ski-bum fantasy. It turns out he had recognized me from before we started working together. My roommate had left a 9×5 photo of me from the Rose of Tralee on the wall of our old apartment when she moved out. And somewhat serendipitously, Mark had moved into that same apartment. By multiple accounts, he had been admiring the photo on the wall until he saw the woman in the photo at Ruby’s Bar & Grill. It was about two weeks into his employment when he left that very photo of me on my desk and asked me out on a date. We were married three years later and had our first two daughters- Katharine who was the seventh baby born in the new hospital in Vail and shortly after Mary Morgan in 1986.
How did your life play out in the following years?
In 1982 I was selected as Miss Vail and petitioned and successfully changed the title to the Vail Ambassador to make the honored position more inclusive, but also to expand the roles and opportunities for the title. Vail was playing host to dignitaries (like the president), events (golf & ski) and these needed to be hosted with extreme care – which I was naturally attracted to. Almost without realizing, I was following in my mother’s footsteps and found my footing in gathering all types of people together.
In 1983 my mother Betty had forwarded me an invitation to the 25th anniversary of the ROT and I was packing my bags for my second trip to Ireland. You see this was before social media and I wasn’t sure if 25 years later things would have changed but I should never have worried because the Kingdom of Kerry has a heart of gold, and I was welcomed with open arms. I was tinged with massive excitement just as I was in 1974. It was during this trip that I made deep connections with my Rose sisterhood, including Kathy Quinn, Orla Burke, Sheila O’Hanrahan, and many more. Brenda won that year and what a star.
In 1987 my sister Rosemary and her husband were looking for a local garment dyer in the S.F. Bay Area and my husband and I decided to start our first business together, Dye Guy. We decided to relocate and set up shop in Marin County, a suburb 30 mins outside San Francisco and quickly began starting new roots in California. We had our third daughter Grace in 1990. I went back to the Festival in 1996 and again in 2009 for the 50th. I was thrilled to bring Katharine and Mary Morgan back for this one. In 2019 my daughter Grace and her husband Max and my husband Mark joined me at the 60th Anniversary of the Festival.
Being a mother was amazing, I jumped in coaching the kids sports teams, teaching them how to ski (water and snow), we traveled all over North America mainly by car or van, but also boat. I was a very active member of my parish and the Catholic community – I was a eucharistic minister and performed last rites rituals. I found a calling within the spiritual side of my Catholic faith, and it was around this time that I developed a more intentional connection with caregiving. I started my official work with Hospice in 1992 and continue today to work privately with patients and their families as they begin their journey.
I also proudly serve my town of Novato (population 53,225) as an Election Official and manage and facilitate a large voting center for all National, State and Local elections.
How would you compare the Festival now, relative to 1974?
It has just grown exponentially. Each year, as my friendships have grown tighter, it makes it more exciting to get together to experience it together. The more you get to know each other and those around the festival, those who uphold it, the more you fall in love with it all. It’s really magical.
Was it a worthwhile experience?
Yes, truly a highlight of my life. I am very proud. I brought all three of my daughters back to Ireland to a Rose festival in 2009 and 2019 so they are aware of the popularity of the festival. That is when it really sunk in how special of a deal it is. What an honor. It’s hard to relate the Rose of Tralee to anything else in American culture, so for my girls to be there in person and experience it was very special. Not that my girls didn’t support me completely, they just didn’t have the perspective of the significance. My daughter Katharine tells the story of how when she and Mary were in Tralee for the 50th, and these girls were in their 20’s and thought they were hot stuff, they couldn’t get anyone’s attention for a pint. The bartender found out that I was the Rose of Tralee, and never once did I have an empty drink – which the girls benefited from greatly and we all had a laugh of course.
Would you recommend applying to enter the Rose of Tralee Festival?
Absolutely, no question about it. One can gather practical knowledge thru the Rose of Tralee journey, that will serve to make your mark in the world. Win or not, one of the great benefits of participating in this was exploring and re-discovering my Irish roots. So, from wherever you are, if you are of Irish descent, you will feel at home in Ireland. Take a chance to explore the opportunity and see what doors it can open.
What is the most significant memory that you have of the Festival?
The most surreal one was being introduced on Denny Street and having the crowd singing the Rose of Tralee ballad – nothing can ever compare to that perfect moment. It taught me how to savour and appreciate the magic of the moment.
What is your life like now?
My life now is the best. It is extremely busy, filled with cuddly warm grandkids, proudly watching my children’s successes, caregiving with the elderly and sick, working in the community as a state and local elections official and cooking for as many family get-togethers as possible. Every now and then I like to get out and travel. I travelled to the Galapagos Islands and most recently joined 27 Roses at the St Patrick’s Day Parade down 5th Avenue in New York! I am more alive than ever in 2024. I look forward to every day that I get to celebrate this special life. This year, I will be returning for my 5th time to Ireland and celebrating my 50th Anniversary (aka. my “Golden Rose”). To mark the occasion, 26 of my family and friends will be traveling to Ireland to experience firsthand the magic of the country but also the Festival.
Upon reflection, the Rose of Tralee for me was the celebration of connection. Not just to where we came from, but on a deep level of how we got here today. Of the Irish who carried on, of those who suffered, those who took risks, those who told our stories. These Roses make me feel a part of an incredible garden. One that is cared for and grows strong with new buds each year.
