Red Carpet for Rose Finalists in Town Hall


2008 Rose of Tralee finalists at the Civic Reception in Tralee Town Hall

Tralee Town Council has conferred honorary citizenship on the 31 finalists for the 2008 Rose of Tralee competition. At a special function in the Town Hall, attended by Councillors, council staff and festival organizers, illustrated scrolls were presented to each Rose by the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr. Ted Fitzgerald.

The Mayor stressed the historic aspect of the festival- its role in bringing together the Irish communities throughout the world – and also the importance of the festival to the town with its positive media coverage and footage being seen worldwide. “It is the highlight of the year for the townpeople” said Mayor Fitzgerald.

He also thanked Festival MD Anthony O’Gara, his hard working festival committee and the members of festival committees in Ireland and throughout the world for continuing the great tradition begun in 1959.

Tralee Town Engineer Gerry Riordan spoke on behalf of the Council staff who said the Rose Reception was an event that was always looked forward to by staff. Again he congratulated the roses on their success in reaching the finals of the competition and hoped that they would return home with many happy memories of Tralee and its people.

Eamon Gaffney, President of the Queensland Irish Association from Australia and Pipe Major Bruce Grice, presented  the coat of arms of the Queensland Irish Association to Anthony O' Gara  and festival staff in recognition of their great work in revitalizing the world famous festival.

Immediately afterwards the Roses danced in front of the Town Hall for an impromptu photo call with music provided by the O’Shea brothers and friends.  Among those who also attended the reception were the Mayor of Derry Cllr. John Diver and his wife Alice and the 1991 Rose of Tralee Denise Murphy O’Sullivan from Cork, Chief Supt. Pat O’Sullivan and the newly appointed Parish Priest of St. John’s, Tralee Fr. Seán Hanafin.

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