It's time for the Roses of Laois to bloom again

The Rose of Tralee International Festival emerged from a two year break, last year with a real flourish, as it formally announced inspiring plans for an exciting new era and officially launched “The Search for the 2023 Laois Rose of Tralee”.

Additionally,  the organisers say revised relaxed entry requirements were reinforced, making it easier to become a Rose of Tralee, whilst supporting the all-inclusive and diverse nature of the festival.

Laois wasn't represented last year but Steve Cronly is the Laois Rose Co-0rdinator who is planning a return to the Kingdom for the O'Moore County in 2023.

“We at the Laois Rose Centre are inviting all interested girls between 18 and 29 years old to reach out and put themselves forward to enter this year’s Laois Rose selection.

“The festival is rolling out a programme to engage with communities across Laois over the next three years, to build a structure of multiple local events in communities across the county.

“Our focus will be to work with those communities to hold Rose Selections, and through that process to support community fundraising in each of those areas.

“As a new initiative we are inviting GAA, Camogie clubs, societies and local communities to partner with the Laois Rose Centre and participate in local events and in return the Laois Rose Centre will make a generous contribution to the local community or organisations involved,” he said.

Sarah Bergin is the current Laois Rose. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Sarah Bergin in Tralee in 2019

“Since becoming the Laois Rose in 2019 my life has changed so much. I have had the most incredible experience from becoming the Laois Rose, and then onto Tralee, meeting so many new friends along the way, going to a lot of different events all around the country, it’s just been amazing few years of unforgettable memories and friends to last a lifetime.

“I would recommend it to any girl to go for the Laois Rose and have the time of their lives,” she said.

The organisers are delighted to have the Midlands Park Hotel as hospitality sponsor of the Laois Rose where our Laois Rose 2023 will take place on Easter Sunday, April 9.

The 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival will take place from August 18 to 22 with the festival team planning a host of amazing events that traditionally take place in Tralee.

Anthony O'Gara, the Executive Chair of the Festival, revealed an exciting plan for the festival to become more accessible at community level with a vision to support voluntary fundraising efforts.

“The Rose of Tralee International Festival is strongly associated with great Irish women, Irish people, and local communities globally. I am delighted to announce that this legacy will continue, as we reveal our inspiring plans. Celebrating our Irish Culture, and the positive contribution that Irish people make at home and abroad is a real privilege and we are most grateful for the incredible support we have received over the last eight decades.

“As we look to the future, it is our goal to support the fundraising efforts of local Irish communities and to continue to showcase the incredible contribution of great Irish women globally,” he said. ENTRY CRITERIA BELOW PICTURE.

Reigning Laois Rose Laois Rose Sarah Bergin onstage at the Festival Dome with Daithi Ó Sé during Rose Selection in 2019. Photo By Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

Further details contact the Rose of Tralee International Office at info@roseoftralee.ie and on all social media platforms.

Entry Criteria – Rose of Tralee International Festival 2023

Taking onboard the feedback of the Irish Diaspora - the Rose of Tralee Festival are delighted to announce the new revised Entry Criteria as follows:
Applicants can include

• 1) AGE: 18 years of age by January 1st, 2023 and will not have reached your 30th birthday on or prior to September 1st, 2023.
• 2) STATUS: Single / Married or anyone identifying as female is welcome to enter.
• 3) IRISH DESCENT: Be an Irish citizen or of Irish origin by virtue of one of your ancestors having been born in Ireland. For applicants residing outside the island of Ireland - be living in the region you wish to represent for a minimum of one year and recommend that if selected as the Rose that you will remain resident in this region for the following 12 months
• 4) HISTORY: Never have previously represented any Centre as a Rose in the Regional Festival or International Rose of Tralee Selection. Be available for Rose Selection events and if selected be available for International Festival events.
• 5) ENTRY FEE: An entrant sponsorship fee of €250 is required for entrants based in Ireland.

Enter the 2023 Rose of Tralee online at the website www.therosetralee.ie