The 64th Rose of Tralee International Festival is fast approaching, and today comes the big reveal of the all-important Judging Panel, who will take on the job of selecting the next Rose of Tralee. The fate of who will become the next Rose of Tralee lies in the hands of the four distinguished judges, made up of a Rose of Tralee, an RTÉ star, a councillor and an international fashion designer to the stars. The 2024 Selection panel will consist of the four judges and will be chaired this year by 1998 Rose of Tralee, Luzveminda O’Sullivan.
Luzveminda O’Sullivan, a native of Castlebar, Co Mayo, is a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry with more than 20 years’ experience and still returns to the Festival as often as possible since her win 26 years ago in 1998.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Judging Panel, Luzveminda said: “‘It is truly a special honour to be a part of the International Judging Panel for 2024. The Rose of Tralee is an important, positive and significant part of my life and has been for many years now. I am very much looking forward to meeting all of this year’s Roses and choosing our 2024 International Rose of Tralee, who will embark on what will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience. I am 100 per cent confident that together with the other judges, we will choose the next worthy ambassador for this wonderful Festival and all that it encompasses.”
Returning to the panel this year is Nuala Carey of RTÉ Weather and National Lottery fame. Having worked in broadcasting all her career, and been a lifelong fan of the Festival, Nuala understands just how difficult a task she and her fellow judges have ahead of them: “Last year was a wonderful experience – from meeting such an array of talented and personable young women to spending time with my fellow judges. I am really looking forward to collaborating with the judges once again this year – we promise to make a formidable team!”
Another returning member of the Judging Panel for 2024 is Ollie Turner – a Galway broadcaster who has been head of Sport with Galway Bay FM since 2000 and was recently elected as a local councillor in Co Galway. Ollie has been involved with the Festival for more than 20 years, acting as compere at county Rose Selections all around the country, where his quick wit and relaxed style have endeared him to Rose of Tralee audiences nationwide. He has previously held the esteemed position of International judge at the Festival in both 2018 and 2023. Ollie says: “I’m thrilled to be back judging for the second year in a row at the Rose of Tralee International Festival and I’m looking forward to working with Mindy, Nuala and Don. The judging process is intense, but really enjoyable, and I know we will work hard as a team to find a worthy successor to the amazing Róisín Wiley.”
The final member of the 2024 Judging Panel is international fashion designer to the stars and proud Kerryman, Don O’Neill. Don recently relocated home to Ireland with his husband Pascal Guillermie, having spent 30 years in New York, and has recently been elected to the board of the Design and Craft Council of Ireland, where his goal is to give back to the makers in Ireland.
Don says: “I am beyond excited to be an International judge in the 2024 Rose of Tralee – a Festival I have loved for as long as I can remember and grew to love even more when I moved to New York, coming to know and admire the extraordinary Roses down through the years. I am really looking forward to working alongside Nuala, Mindy and Ollie and can’t wait to meet this year’s wonderful Roses. The experience of a lifetime awaits us all!”
There will be 32 Roses taking part in this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, all hoping to impress this fantastic panel of judges. The National Rose Tour begins on Sunday the 11th of August, with the Festival itself taking place from Friday the 16th to Tuesday the 20th of August. Audience tickets for RTÉ’s two live televised Selection Nights on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August are available via the Rose of Tralee website – www.roseoftralee.ie.
