2013 Rose Gemma Blair.
The search for the 2014 Derry Rose of Tralee will culminate this weekend with a glittering ceremony to be held in the city.
Thirteen “Roses” from throughout county will gather in the Beech Hill Hotel this Sunday in the hope of succeeding reigning Derry Rose Gemma Blair.
The event, beginning at 7.30pm sharp, promises to be another successful Derry Selection with talented, aspiring young women from all over the county taking part.
Tickets are just about sold out so advice is to get along early for what promises to be a fantastic nights entertainment.
Judges will be looking for a “Rose” who is a “real people’s person,” has ambitions and aspirations, someone who is intellectual, has a great social responsibility and a love for Irish culture and heritage – and, above all, someone who enjoys meeting new people having great ‘craic’ along the way.
Reigning “Rose” Gemma Blair possessed all of these qualities and has been a fantastic role model for her county and as a result enjoyed a busy year of “Rose” activity.
2012 Derry Rose Julianna Ayton.
Her duties included various appearances in her home county, attending various charity fundraisers and attending different 2013 City of Culture events.
Conor Deeny, the Derry Rose co-ordinator, said Sunday night’s selection promised to be a “magnificent evening.”
He said: “Here we are again at another Derry Rose Selection, this year we will have 13 wonderful ladies represent their local communities, family, friends and sponsors as they embark on what will be a life changing experience.
“Our 2014 ‘Rose’ entrants represent all that is good about Irish culture and heritage along with promoting the ethos and values of the International Rose of Tralee.
“Sunday night will be a magnificent evening at the Beech Hill Hotel and we ask that the public get behind our ‘Roses’ and afford them the full support they deserve.
“As one ‘Rose’ is about to embark on the year of her life another ‘Rose’s’ tenure will draw to a close, Gemma Blair the 2013 Derry Rose has represented the International Rose of Tralee to the highest level and we commend her on what has been a highly successful year.
“We would like to wish Gemma all the best for the future and also acknowledge her presence representing Derry and the Derry Rose Centre at the 2014 5th Avenue St Patrick’s Day parade in New York City on March 17.”
He concluded: “Finally, I would like to thank all our sponsors for supporting one of the world’s most prestigious festival.”
2012 Derry Rose Julianna Ayton will pass on the title to the next lucky Derry lady on behalf of Gemma on Sunday night.
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