Write a commentThe search is on for the Down Rose 2013 – a lady who will represent her community, a charity and the entire of County Down on an International stage.
The current International Rose of Tralee, Nicola McEvoy, who represented Luxembourg in last year’s festival made her first ever visit to the North of Ireland last month. Nicola kicked off her tour of the North with a visit to County Down where she was joined by the 2012 Down Rose, Una Matthews to officially announce details of the 2013 Down Selection which will take place at the spectacular Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle on Sunday 28th April.
She also met the Mayor of Newry & Mourne District, John McArdle at the Canal Court Hotel before enjoying a few fast laps around the Formula Karting Newry. She then made her way across the beautiful coastal Mourne Route to The Slieve Donard where she officially launched the search for the Down Rose with the Chairman of The Down District Council, Councillor Coogan.
Newbridge Silverware, the lead sponsors of the Festival, will present the next Rose of Tralee with a range of handcrafted jewellery and homeware products. She will also receive a World Travel Prize worth €25,000 from Dublin Airport Authority, a year’s driving in a brand new car and much more.
Nicola McEvoy, who was crowned as the 2012 Rose of Tralee last August, said: “2013 could be the year that a Rose from Down follows in the footsteps of three Belfast ladies -Therese Gillespie (1965), Veronica McCambridge (1973) and Marita Marron (1979) – and become the Rose of Tralee. Anyone who enters a Rose selection will never regret the experience of a lifetime in which they will make life-long friends and have the best fun along the way. Becoming the Rose of Tralee was a huge added bonus to what can only be described as the most exciting year of my life.”
Current Down Rose, Una Matthews, selected the Southern Area Hospice as her chosen charity for the year and continues to fundraise for them. She commented, "The Rose of Tralee gives you a platform to select a charity, represent it on an international stage and fundraise for it throughout your year as the Rose. For me, this has been so rewarding and I look forward to continuing my fundraising efforts in the remaining months as Down's Rose."
This year the Down Rose Centre have many events planned for the potential Roses some of which include a VIP Tour of Titanic Belfast, A Day at Dundalk Races, A Diamonds and Cocktail evening with one lucky winner taking away a diamond, an outdoor adventure day up the Mourne Mountains followed by a luxury afternoon tea and spa treatment.
The Down Rose Selection will take place on Sunday 28th April in Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle at 7pm but it's not too late to put yourself forward. For more information on how you could be the County Down Rose, please don't hesitate in contacting us. Email us at downrose2011@gmail.com or call Gareth on 077868 37198
