The search is on for this year's Tipperary Rose of Tralee

This week, Aisling O'Donovan, reigning Tipperary Rose of Tralee, officially launched the search to find this year’s Rose of Tralee in County Tipperary.

Although it's going to be hard for the south Tipp woman to hand on her title, especially having been the Tipperary rose for the last two years, she remembers fondly her time as the Tipperary Rose and the last minute nudge of encouragement it took to allow her have one of the best two years of her life.

Aisling says taking part has been a wonderful experience. 

“Entering and becoming the Tipperary rose has been one of the proudest moments of my life so far, being able to represent my county on a local, national, and international base is a fantastic feeling that words can’t even describe.

This was not only on a personal growth and confidence level but the friendships I have made for life, along with the many many reunions/ events I have attended over the years with my fellow roses and rose escorts- from the week in Tralee to the opening of the German Christmas Markets in Frankfort and our Walking in the St Patrick’s day parade in Fifth Avenue New York, although the reign has lasted two years it has also open the time for us to attend each other’s life events including weddings and numerous getaways let alone a hopping Whatsapp group.”

Aisling encourages anyone interested to get involved.

 “I would recommend the festival to anyone. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and so mush more than what you see on tv. You get to meet so many amazing people, do some amazing things, and become an inspiration to so many girls and women, so I would say to anyone that has ever taught about becoming a rose, don’t miss out on something great just because of fear, it’s your time new year new you, just apply.”

 There is no better time to enter as the Tipperary Rose due to the gap caused by the pandemic and in the new departure to ensure that every Rose enjoys the positive experience during her year as her region’s ambassador.

The Festival organizers have revamped the selection process by removing the regional qualification process and increasing the age limit, so with no Tipperary rose since 2022 and the next after this year to be 2026, interest is expected to be high.

 Ciarán and the team that Co-ordinator of the Tipperary event praised Aisling. 

“Aisling has been a true lady and credit to her community throughout her extended time as raining Tipperary rose of Tralee.

"She was a great ambassador for her family, county Tipperary, and south Tipperary in general, and we want to thank everyone for getting behind her on her trip to Tralee. This year is a big year for the county as there are big changes continued, which will mean we will only have a Tipperary rose once every two years. But this year is a great and even better opportunity for any young lady to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience in the full.”

“We can confirm after the covid break and the changes to the festival, the breaking news is there will be a 2024 Tipperary Rose of Tralee selection final this year, On March 24, 2024 in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, with a closing date for entrants of the 2nd of March with new direct entry to the Final night.

Big changes mean there are now no regional finals elements to the festival, so the chosen Tipperary rose will go directly to the stage interview with the main man Dáithí Ó Sé in the Dome in Tralee.

The age limit has gone up a year to 29, so once you've not reached your 30th birthday by September 1 2024, your still in.

Due to the pandemic and the biannual selection, this means we didn’t have a Tipperary rose since Aisling the 2022 Rose, and Tipperary won't have one again till 2026 - so we need your help to get that message out there the search is on for 2024 with only a six-week window to apply, this year there is no better time than now to give it a go and apply, so if YOU or anyone you know from or living in Tipperary that you think would make a great Rose for county Tipperary in 2024 pass the nudge along we welcome all."

 The chosen Tipperary rose will travel via the Rose tour to the international festival in Tralee in August and will take part in all the parades, official events, and numerous public engagements at the festival, from which 32 Roses will appear in the live selection broadcasts.

More info can be found by searching or DM (@tipperaryroseoftralee). Or texting 086 3871635, Applications can be found via https://roseoftralee.ie/apply-to-the-rose-of-tralee/ The closing date will be March 2, 2024 and the Tipperary selection will be on at the Anner Hotel, Thurles, on March 24, 2024.

 The Rose of Tralee International Festival will be celebrated from Friday, August 16 to Tuesday, August 20, 2024.