Write a commentMaria Walsh the 2014 International Rose of Tralee is visiting County Down tomorrow Friday 23rd January and if you would like to catch up feel free to get down to the Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint between 7.30pm and 8.30pm
Maria is a native of Boston, Massachusetts but moved to south Mayo in 2004 but since has relocated to Philadelphia. She studied Journalism and Visual Media in Griffith College Dublin and graduated in 2009. I ventured to New York in early 2010 before heading to Philadelphia in late 2011. There she is a Studio Manager for Anthropologie, a clothing and lifestyle brand. Maria is also a Pioneer and volunteered for many years with the Pioneer Association and No Name Club, two organizations that focus on the development of our young people.
The Down Rose Centre will be entertaining Maria on Friday and Saturday as she tours the County in search for the 2015 International Rose of Tralee. The Down Rose is part of the Rose of Tralee International festival which celebrates it's 56th year this year. The Rose of Tralee continues to blossom in County Down with 3 Roses representing the Mourne County on the International Stage in Tralee live on RTE over the last 5 years. A spokesperson for the festival told us, "A Rose reflects the intelligence, compassion and independence of modern Irish women. Over the years our Roses have mirrored a changing Ireland and the definition of Irishness that is celebrated by so many different people around the world. Roses have come to reflect the widening of Irish borders and the embracing of our global diaspora in a positive and refreshing way."
When Maria is visiting Down, there will be a welcome reception in the Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint from 7.30 - 8.30pm and members of the public and anyone interested in entering into the Rose of Tralee are invited to attend to meet and talk to Maria. She will then get a private tour of Narrow water Castle and stay overnight in the luxurious Slieve Donard Hotel where the Down Rose Selection will take place this year. Maria will then get a tour of the Narnia experience at Kilbroney Forest Park.
The Rose of Tralee is more than a TV show and five-day International Festival because more than 25,000 people will attend the Rose Selection events from Down to Dubai, Mayo to Melbourne and Bahrain to Boston over the coming months. To date, it is one of the world's most recognised International festival.
However, it's not too late to become involved. If you would be interested in taking part and are between the age of 18 and 27, please get in touch. There are many more events taking place before the selection night which will be held on Sunday 3rd May in The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle. For further information, don't hesitate to email downrose2011@gmail.com or to enter in for the Rose Festival, logon to www.roseoftralee.ie
