Your Time to Bloom? - Search is on for Down Rose

Down Rose in 'Full Bloom'

The search is on for the Down Rose 2014 – a lady who will represent her community, a charity and the entire of County Down on an International stage.

You don’t need to win the Lotto to be treated like a Princess, but any young woman who enters the 2014 Down Rose selection will get the royal treatment and be in with a chance to become the Rose of Tralee. LIFE-changing experiences come just once a year and that time has arrived, so start applying. 

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.

The reigning Rose of Tralee, Haley O'Sullivan has had an amazing year, and we here in Down are very excited about the upcoming Down Rose Section which is taking place on Sunday 27th of April 2014 at Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle. 

Previous Down Rose, Una Matthews, selected the Southern Area Hospice as her chosen charity for the year and continues to fundraise for them. She commented, “It’s amazing how the smallest decisions sometimes lead us to the most extraordinary of places. My decision to enter the Down Rose back in March 2012 was one such small decision that I made in the hope that I would I represent my county, and perhaps make a friend or two along the way".

“My time as the Down Rose was the most incredible year of my life. The opportunities that have presented themselves to me have been life changing and I have made friends for life. The events I attended were amazing-fashion shows, charity events and black tie functions. I would encourage every girl to enter the search for the Rose in every county - no matter how far you get in the process, you can be assured it will be a memorable experience.”

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 27th 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 , call Gareth on 077868 37198 / Gemma on 07872397280 or come along to the upcoming briefing evening at the Slieve Donard, Newcastle on Thursday the 20th of March at 7.30pm.

Local businesses, sports organisations and professional groupings are being invited to take part in what promises to be a memorable Down Rose selection event and application forms are now available from www.roseoftralee.ie or by e-mailing downrose2011@gmail.com.